AARP Staff and Volunteers Give Back

In keeping with its long-standing commitment to volunteer service, AARP will celebrate its 10th Annual Day of Service September 14 throughout the country, and in cities and towns across Alabama.

“More than 50 years ago, AARP was established in the spirit of service when Ethel Percy Andrus created our motto -‘To serve, not to be served,’” said Joan Carter, AARP Alabama state director. “By taking action and setting aside this day for community service, we will help people of all ages live safer, more comfortable and happier lives.”

Just last year, AARP expanded on its traditional volunteer efforts like Driver Safety and Tax Aide by establishing the CreateTheGood.org website.

At CreateTheGood.org, volunteers may search by zip code to con¬nect with a variety of local opportunities that offer more flexible choices about where, when and how long they volunteer. Anyone can find or post ways to get in¬volved in activities that help their neighbors and communities.

“Our goal is to get people engaged within their own communities and to demonstrate the impact just one day can have,” Carter said.

Millions of AARP volunteers and staffers will be at sites all over the nation. And, for the past nine years, AARP members throughout Alabama have adopted projects in their communities, and joined together to make a difference.

This year, AARP is working on several projects with the local volunteer and information centers. Past projects have included landscaping projects at public areas; work at schools; recycling; document shredding; supplying lunch to fire fighters and police officers; and, visits to veteran’s hospitals and nursing homes.

In addition to AARP’s Annual National Day of Service, the Alabama State Office has many ongoing community service projects throughout the year and celebrates other National Days of Service, like Make a Difference Day in October.

To learn more about volunteering with AARP or create a community team, contact Anna Pritchett at apritchett@aarp.org or visit the AARP Alabama website.