Volunteering goes high-tech during pandemic
Older adults who want to volunteer their time and talents for charitable pursuits have had to change the way they perform certain tasks during the pandemic, leaning more on technology and safety.
Volunteer Spotlight: Small Things working to make big impact
When the COVID-19 outbreak began, the need for food resources among underserved populations increased. Volunteers stepped up to meet the demand.
CARIE Ombudsman Program seeks volunteers to write holiday cards to nursing home residents
Members of the Ombudsman program at Center for Advocacy for the Rights & Interests of the Elderly (CARIE) are seeking volunteers to spread holiday cheer to isolated nursing home residents this holiday season.
They are asking volunteers to commit to writing and sending holiday cards and letters by Dec. 19.
Honor Dr. King’s legacy through the MLK Day of Service
PCA will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. As we honor the life and legacy of this civil rights icon, let’s renew his call to serve one another. This MLK Day, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities for older adults looking to carry on Dr. King’s legacy.
Seniors connect, create, contribute to their communities in Philadelphia and beyond
May was designated as Older Americans Month (OAM) 56 years ago to recognize the contributions of this growing population. Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), OAM provides resources to help older Americans stay healthy and independent and to help communities support and celebrate their diversity.
Fight Hunger with Team PCA by donating through May 24
Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) will sponsor a team at the Walk Against Hunger on Saturday, April 27.
Volunteer opportunities for seniors abound at Philadelphia organizations
Philadelphia has a host of organizations seeking volunteers. Here are three possibilities for you to consider. Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University The academy has many volunteering pos- sibilities. “In some positions you greet guests while in others you work behind the scenes,” says Maria Morales, the academy’s manager of volunteer services. She urges […]
Volunteerism takes flight: Senior uses time to care for butterflies
By Constance Garcia-Barrio
Nature has painted butterflies with a cunning brush, notes Chris Johnson, 70, a volunteer in the butterfly exhibition at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, 19th Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. “This one has what looks like an owl eye on each wing,” Johnson says, referring to the winged insect in his hand. “Thanks to its deceptive wing pattern, the owl butterfly scares off potential predators, like small birds.”
For Senior Companion volunteers, helping others yields great rewards
Dorothy Hembry is so warm and outgoing, it seems like just about anyone would feel comfortable talking with her. It’s a quality that has served her well as a 17-year volunteer with the Senior Companion Program.
Managed by Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA), the Senior Companion Program matches homebound elders with volunteers who visit with them, providing a much-needed social connection. Companions may also help with tasks such as light meal preparation, accompanying the person to medical appointments or doing small errands. In some cases, the seniors are isolated and have no family nearby; in others, the senior companion provides much-needed respite for a caregiver.