MIAMI, FL—Hundreds of Americans 50-plus have geared up to donate their time as AARP hosts a multitude of volunteer opportunities at its Life@50+ National Event & Expo in Miami, from May 14-16. Attendees will discover their real possibilities by contributing to local community service activities that include packing 50,000 meals, assembling 450 FEMA emergency kits and rebuilding homes for three local veterans.

“The Miami Celebration of Service offers members and others an opportunity to lend a helping hand to South Florida's struggling older adults through volunteer efforts in the local community." said Lisa Marsh Ryerson, AARP Foundation president.  “Giving back to the people of Miami enriches the lives of both those in need and those who volunteer, and we look forward to the opportunity to serve.”

Thursday morning, May 14 at 8 a.m., the fun begins with AARP Foundation  kickoff event at the Miami Beach Convention Center with Samantha Brown, AARP Travel Ambassador; Lisa Marsh Ryerson, AARP Foundation president; Jeannine English, AARP president; and Jeff Johnson, state director, AARP Florida.Carla Hall, co-host of ABC’s The Chew will also join the celebration on Friday to help pack meals alongside volunteers.

Project Highlights

Housing Rebuild: In collaboration with Rebuilding Together, volunteers will help rebuild the homes of three low-income homeowners—all veterans—in the Miami Gardens neighborhood. This is a onetime volunteer engagement that will last four hours and requires both skilled and unskilled volunteers. Water and snacks will be provided onsite along with a lunch voucher at the end of the project. Proudly presented by Chase Card Services and the Miami Dolphins. (Space is limited).

• When: Thursday, May 14 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Where: Buses will depart for Miami Gardens from the Convention Center immediately following the Celebration of Service Kickoff.

AARP Foundation Meal Pack: Volunteers will pack 50,000 nutritious meals to benefit the Feeding South Florida Food Bank and can sign up for one hour sessions. Water and snacks are provided onsite. Proudly presented by Chase Card Services and AARP Foundation.

• When: Thursday, May 14; Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16. (Check at event registration for available times).
• Where: Onsite at the MCC on Exhibit Floor.

Cards to Re-Connect: Loneliness is a widespread problem at nursing care facilities. To share compassion and foster connectedness, volunteers will create greeting cards with personal messages to be delivered to nursing and veterans facilities. Thursday morning is a three hour volunteer engagement; all other times are open for one hour shifts. Proudly presented by Chase Card Services and AARP Foundation.

• When: Thursday, May 14; Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16. (Check at event registration for available times).
• Where: Onsite at the MCC, Palm Ballroom (D section).

Produce and Potato “Drop”: In collaboration with the Society of St. Andrew, volunteers will help gather fresh produce donated by local farmers and package it for delivery to at-risk seniors in the Miami area. Thursday morning is a three hour volunteer engagement; all other times are open for one hour shifts. Proudly presented by Chase Card Services and AARP Foundation

• When: Thursday, May 14; Friday, May 15 and Saturday, May 16. (Check at event registration for available times).
• Where: Onsite at the MCC, Palm Ballroom (D section).

FEMA Emergency Preparedness Kits: Due to the potential for devastating weather in South Florida, FEMA encourages everyone to have an emergency kit on hand to assist them when severe weather strikes. Volunteers will help create 450 emergency kits for seniors who do not have the resources or ability to gather the items needed during weather emergencies.

• When: Thursday, May 14 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• Where: Onsite at the MCC, Palm Ballroom (D section).

Volunteer & Event Registration

Admission to Life@50+ for AARP members is $35, and $45 for non-members. The entry fee includes access to the exhibit hall, the opening show, and the seminars/sessions for all three days. Non-member registration includes a one-year membership to AARP. Online registration is open now atwww.aarp.org/events or by phone at 1-800-650-6839. Additional information on Life@50+ Miami, as well as the complete schedule, can be found online at www.aarp.org/events. 

Registration for AARP Foundation Celebration of Service projects is open online. Volunteers can also sign up onsite.

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About AARP Foundation

AARP Foundation is working to win back opportunity for struggling Americans 50+ by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face today: housing, hunger, income and isolation. By coordinating responses to these issues on all four fronts at once, and supporting them with vigorous legal advocacy, the Foundation serves the unique needs of those 50+ while working with local organizations nationwide to reach more people, strengthen communities, work more efficiently and make resources go further. AARP Foundation is AARP’s affiliated charity. Learn more at www.aarpfoundation.org.

CONTACT:

Charlotte Castillo, 202-434-2560, ccastillo@aarp.org, @AARPMedia