CLEARFIELD – RSVP of Clearfield County is sponsored locally by the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging, Inc. Seventy percent of the funding for RSVP is provided through a federal grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service. The other thirty percent is provided locally by the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging, Inc., the Clearfield Area and DuBois Area United Way agencies, memorials, contributions and fundraising.
From time to time, the Corporation develops or promotes certain initiatives to meet special community needs. The Corporation’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative is one of the special initiatives that encourages projects to address needs in our community. Clearfield County is blessed with a long tradition of individuals committed to assisting other individuals, families and communities who have special needs.
For years, faith-based and community groups have been assisting individuals in need. A faith-based organization is any organization that is religiously-oriented regardless of whether or not religious activities are their primary function.
Approximately eleven years ago, members of Trinity United Methodist Church in Clearfield saw a need for new shoes for children. Due to the current economy of this area, that need still exists. Families are struggling to make ends meet. The mission of the Trinity United Methodist Church’s Sneaker Closet is to supply each child that qualifies with a new pair of sneakers, a new pair of socks, a stuffed animal and a book to read.
To qualify for this program, the child must go to the Sneaker Closet with a parent or guardian and have an Access Card, Chip Card or a letter from a concerned organization stating that they are in need. Children from birth to 3 years old can go to the Sneaker Closet once every 3 months to receive new shoes. Children aged 3 to 18 years of age are eligible every 6 months.
Money to purchase new shoes for the program comes from the church and donations to the Sneaker Closet. Volunteers make the program work. Elaine Filsinger and Shirley Magnuson are in charge of the program for the church. They shop for sneakers and schedule volunteers. Volunteers assist by registering the children, fitting the sneakers and distributing new socks and books. In November, children may also receive warm hats, mittens and boots if they are available.
Shirley Magnuson has been working at the Sneaker Closet for about six years. “I love it.”, Shirley said. “And the volunteers are doing a wonderful job at the Sneaker Closet. We really appreciate their help, as it takes a community to keep the Sneaker Closet running. They help with registration, stocking shelves, and sorting socks. They also assist the children when they try on their sneakers. The volunteers are all very kind and courteous.”
You can help to make a difference in your community. If you have a couple of hours a month to donate, why not consider helping the Sneaker Closet? Scheduling is flexible and training is provided. Call the RSVP office for more information at (814) 765-2226 or 1-800-225-8571.
JANUARY VOLUNTEER CORNER:
SPECIAL PROJECTS: Do you want to volunteer but not be committed to a long-term assignment? RSVP has special projects that are seasonal but still impact the community in a positive way. Some examples are sewing quilts for children who are in traumatic situations, preparing special mailings for organizations, or singing and visiting in a local nursing/personal care home. Your favorite organization or nursing/personal care home always can use some help with special projects.
THEATRE VOLUNTEERS: Would you like to take part in an organization that provides entertainment and enrichment to our community? Many volunteer opportunities are available at your local theatre. Share your talents and skills with the Clearfield Arts Studio Theatre (CAST). Whether you have always wanted to act, would like to try your hand at helping to build sets, help locate props or serve as a ticket taker/usher, this may be the volunteer position for you! Think about it and give the RSVP office a call!
FRIENDLY VISITORS: Why not brighten someone’s day by becoming a regular visitor at one of our nursing/personal care homes? Take residents to daily activities, play a game or read to someone. Studies show that a large percent of residents in nursing/personal care homes receives little or no visitors. Help provide socialization and companionship to people whose family may live away.
AMERICAN RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS: The American Red Cross is looking for volunteers to assist at area bloodmobiles. There are many ways you could help such as being a greeter, doing basic computer work or being a walker or canteen volunteer. Bloodmobiles are vital to obtain the much needed blood supply. If you have a few hours a week to spare, why not consider volunteering for the Red Cross?
If you are interested in any of the above volunteer opportunities or would like to learn more about RSVP, please call the RSVP office at (814) 765-2226 or 1-800-225-8571.
RSVP is sponsored and partially funded by the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging, Inc. Additional funding is provided by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Clearfield and DuBois United Way agencies, memorials and contributions.