AARP’s National Day of Service
AARP is founded on the principle "to serve, not to be served." For several decades and with the combined efforts of AARP staff and 40,000+ program volunteers, AARP has been and continues to be a leading resource in communities, providing assistance with tax preparation, driver education, job training and placement for older workers, and money management. In some states, AARP members also serve as volunteer caregivers helping older and disabled neighbors with simple daily activities such as taking them to a doctor's appointment or visiting with them.
Throughout the years, AARP has continued to engage and support AARP chapter and NRTA members in many local and state-level projects to help address key needs in communities. Each year, over 2.6 million people nationwide are helped by these community-based programs and activities. However, it is through the annual AARP Day of Service (DoS), held on the second Thursday each May, that AARP demonstrates the depth of its commitment by closing its offices and deploying its staff and "family of volunteers" throughout the country to work on Day of Service activities. This one-day event demonstrates not only AARP's belief in the importance of community-based service but also the difference just one day's collective effort can make.
2007 AARP Day of ServiceOn last year's Day of Service, AARP volunteers and staff teamed up to provide key services and information to help improve the lives of others in their communities. Some spent the day working at community-based organizations (food pantries, senior centers, assisted-living facilities). Both Massachusetts and Arizona staff -- including CEO Bill Novelli -- sorted and packed enough groceries at local food cupboards to make more than 4,200 meals possible for needy residents. Other volunteers and staff were out in neighborhoods, sharing essential information and working on a variety of home-modification projects. In Hawaii, 180 volunteers provided 27 hours of pedestrian and driver education at 16 traffic intersections. Maine staff helped 40 members save as much as $2,000 through applications for rebates on property tax and rent. In other states (e.g., Florida, South Carolina), teams helped rebuild neighborhoods by creating livable communities where families can buy affordable homes or remain in the homes they own as they age. Several states held shredding events: Indiana shredded 6,200 pounds of paper and West Virginia collected and shredded more than 3,100 pounds of sensitive material.
2008 Day of ServiceAgain this year, AARP staff and volunteers will be doing a variety of hands-on educational and direct-service projects that benefit the elderly, the disabled, and other vulnerable populations. On Thursday, May 8th, thousands of AARP staff, volunteers, chapter members, and community partners are expected to participate in Day of Service 2008 projects ranging from repairing and rehabilitating homes of seniors and people with disabilities to sorting clothing, assembling care packages, and packing food baskets. You too can support this year's Day of Service by volunteering at a local organization or by helping an elderly or homebound neighbor with basic chores and errands. To locate volunteer opportunities in your community, you can use the free online resource at www.volunteermatch.org. Together, we will make a difference this Day of Service.
Volunteer Resources:Finding the Right Opportunity
Volunteering with AARP
Volunteer Programs and Activities
