For the last several months, we’ve all struggled with the challenges of social distancing, remembering to wear masks and keeping our hands clean in an effort to avoid COVID-19. In addition, many have the added burden of job loss, illness, a dwindling bank account, child care expenses and home schooling-the recipe for a perfect storm….
Volunteering is Twice the Fun for Senior Corps-RSVP Couples
Volunteering is always more comfortable when you join in with a friend. With a spouse, it brings even greater rewards, according to Diana and Rod Marino and Nancy and Randy Schmidt, who participate in several Senior Corps-RSVP programs. For Rod and Diana, togetherness has always been a part of their lives. They are both retired…
Senior Corps-RSVP Member Volunteers as a Driver and Gains a New Set of Friends
Volunteers in any capacity often say they get tremendous satisfaction in helping others, and their recipients’ gratitude is reward enough. Bena Gerber, a Senior Corps-RSVP member who drives for Escorted Transportation Service Northwest (ETS/NW) is no exception. Yet for her, there’s an added bonus. The people she brings to doctor appointments, blood tests, or other necessary treatments are not just clients. They’ve become her friends and family.
“I’m filling in for kids who aren’t able to drive their parents when they need it,” she said. “So in a way, I am family. I even bonded with one of my passengers over our love of cats. I haven’t met a grumpy passenger yet.”
Choosing to #BeEssential: Senior Corps-RSVP Members Pivot During COVID-19
Read the stories of four of our Senior Corps-RSVP members that “pivoted” from their regular volunteering to embrace new possibilities for helping in these unprecedented times.
Choosing to #BeEssential: Senior Corps-RSVP Member and Nursing Student Increase Food Access During Coronavirus Lockdown
Jess Park and Aaron Wasserman Olin—the School Programs team at HandsOn Suburban Chicago (HOSC)—recently caught up with two volunteers who are increasing access to nutritious meals for our vulnerable neighbors. Jim Hynan is a Senior Corps-RSVP member who, prior to the novel coronavirus pandemic, donated his time and talents to HOSC’s CHiL and Lunch Buddies….
Choosing to #BeEssential: An Interview with a Self-Directed Volunteer and Donor
Meet Kara Zukoski Jess Park, director of school programs, recently corresponded with HandsOn Connect user Kara Zukoski to discuss her contributions to The Palatine Township Food Pantry, The Wheeling Township Food Pantry, WINGS, Connections for the Homeless, The Harper Student Emergency Relief Fund, and the 214Cares Emergency Fund. Their correspondence has been edited. Jess Park:…
Playlists with Purpose: Songs to Help You Establish a Morning Routine during COVID-19
Music is a universal language with the ability to inspire us and instantly change our mood. HandsOn Suburban Chicago will be publishing playlists to help people get through this uniquely challenging time. Disclaimer: This blog post contains quoted profanity. The songs on this playlist that contain explicit language, which may not be suitable for all…
#BeEssential: 3 Ways You Can Address the Societal Ills Exposed by the Coronavirus
In times of widespread crisis, workers may not be essential but volunteers are. Ordinary people are typically the first to assist in a disaster and the last ones to leave. Volunteerism, unlike vocation, demands civic character and exemplifies the ideal of democracy. It acknowledges that the well-being of every individual is integral to the well-being…
