Editor’s Note: RSVP is a referral service designed to place volunteers in non-profit organizations, where their knowledge and skills positively impact the community and individuals served. The following article is part of a monthly series by RSVP highlighting the community based involvement and service of RSVP volunteers.
There are a number of organizations and agencies that provide services or activities entirely or almost entirely through the use of volunteers. The American Cancer Society is one of those organizations. The ACS is a nationwide, community-based organization dedicated to eliminating cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service.
RSVP volunteers throughout Clearfield County give support to help the ACS accomplish its goals. The RSVP volunteer opportunities at the ACS are diversified. Volunteers may assist the organization by doing light clerical duties, providing educational programs or assisting with patient services programs, just to name a few.
Fundraising is an important aspect of any non-profit organization, and the ACS relies on its fundraising efforts to provide vital services to individuals and their families dealing with cancer. Here in Clearfield County, RSVP volunteers are active with the local ACS’s major fundraising events. Each year, you may see RSVP volunteers helping with their Relay for Life or at this time of the year with Daffodil Days.
Every spring, RSVP volunteers have assisted the ACS with its Daffodil Days fundraiser. Volunteers call businesses for orders, man tables at local shopping malls and stores and they sell daffodils to the community. Penny Libreatori has volunteered for the ACS for many years. Libreatori said, “Years ago a friend got me involved with the Cancer Society. I am a former member of the Board of Directors and have helped with the Relay for Life and Daffodil days for over 15 years.”
In addition to assisting with Daffodil Days, clerical volunteers are used throughout the year to complete patient service updates, data entry, or work in the Road to Recovery Program in which volunteers drive cancer patients to doctor’s appointments or treatments.
“The American Cancer Society is the largest voluntary health organization in the nation. We could not continue our mission without volunteer support.” said Karen Traylor, administrative secretary. “We have relied heavily on the support of the RSVP program for many years. They have provided support with Daffodil Days, Grocer’s Day, and clerical and office support. We are currently seeking volunteers to support the annual Daffodil Days campaign. We need volunteers to help with selling the daffodils at direct sale sites around the county and delivering the flowers to local businesses and individuals.
If you would like to make a difference by becoming an RSVP volunteer at the ACS or one of RSVP’s many other stations in Clearfield County, please call our office at 814-765-2226 or 1-800-225-8571.
FEBRUARY VOLUNTEER CORNER
ADULT TUTORS: Mid-State Literacy Council is looking for tutors to assist adult learners in the area. Volunteers could help someone study for a driving test, balance a checkbook or help the student learn to read and write, so they can more fully function in our community. If you enjoy working with people and are sensitive to people’s personalities, interests and needs, this may be the volunteer position for you.
ACTIVITIES ASSISTANTS: Volunteers are needed in nursing, assisted living, and personal care homes throughout Clearfield County to assist with bingo, games, crafts and other activities. Volunteers spending an hour reading to residents would be appreciated. This is a great way to make new friends while providing meaningful volunteer service to others.
SPECIAL PROJECTS: Many local organizations are looking for volunteers who enjoy sewing and would like to help. Comfort care items such as blankets for children, lap robes for the elderly, walker bags and teddy bears are needed. If you enjoy sewing and would like to make a difference for many, please give our office a call.
AMERICAN RED CROSS: The American Red Cross utilizes volunteers in many various ways. Why not train to help out at local disasters? Maybe you would like to provide clerical support or help with a bloodmobile by being a greeter, walker or assist in the canteen. Additional volunteer positions are available for events and fundraising throughout the county. If you are interested in any of the above or other volunteer opportunities with 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.