Press Center: News Releases
AARP’s 8th Annual Day of Service Commemorates 50th Anniversary
News Release
April 24, 2008
In keeping with its long-standing commitment to volunteer service, AARP today announced that its 8th Annual Day of Service will take place on May 8, 2008 in communities throughout the country. In recognition of AARP’s 50th Anniversary, AARP has introduced “50 Ways to Make a Difference” for this year’s Day of Service.
“Fifty years ago, AARP was established in the spirit of service when Ethel Percy Andrus created a founding principle -‘To serve, not to be served,’” said Bill Novelli, Chief Executive Officer of AARP. “By taking action and setting aside this day for community service, we are using our national presence to make a difference where our members live.”
The “50 Ways to Make a Difference” initiative aims to ensure that anyone can be involved in promoting positive change in his or her community by highlighting small actions that can make a big difference. From the click of a mouse to helping a neighbor to volunteering at a local organization, AARP encourages its employees, volunteers, and members to help their communities. AARP’s website, www.aarp.org, has more information on the “50 Ways,” and provides ideas on how anyone can participate in the Day of Service.
On May 8, thousands of AARP employees, volunteers, and members will take part in the Day of Service. AARP has continuously served as a leader in communities, providing driver education, and a host of other community-based service to older Americans, and the Day of Service provides everyone the chance to work on community projects at various sites all over the nation.
AARP’s Day of Service has taken place on the second Thursday in May for the past 8 years. On that day, AARP closes its offices and invites everyone to take part in a community service project of their choice. In 2007, more than 33,000 people participated.
About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 33 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 39 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.