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….
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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….

Senior Corps-RSVP Volunteers at WINGS Help Provide Defenses Against Domestic Violence
People looking for a few inexpensive clothes to add to their wardrobe, unique household items or toys for visiting grandchildren often check out thrift stores, such as those operated by WINGS (Women In Need Growing Stronger). It’s a fun and economical way to shop, and best of all, the profits from these stores-as the name…
Volunteering in Retirement Brings Multiple Rewards for Senior Corps-RSVP Member
By Janet Souter, Senior Corps-RSVP Member When Mike Mokate retired from his career as an informational technology provider nearly two years ago, like many people, he wanted to spend more time with his family. But he also felt the need for a sense of purpose, a wish to give structure to his day and especially…
Senior Corps-RSVP AARP Tax Aide Goes the Extra Mile
By Janet Souter, Senior Corps-RSVP Member It may sound strange, but Stewart Smith actually enjoys volunteering for a task that most of us dread this time of year. For the past two years, as a Senior Corps-RSVP volunteer for the AARP Tax-Aide program, Stewart has been helping low- to moderate-income seniors prepare their 1040s, which…