50+ Lifestyles

RSVP Volunteers lead the Holiday Spirit

By Dave Layton

This is the time of year when people think about doing something extra for their neighbors and their community. It is rather common that people who already do much for their community, are also the most likely ones to step forward for seasonal events, too. RSVP volunteers set a prime example of this type of community leadership. In fact, RSVP has over 250 members who are willing to be called for special event volunteering. This holiday season they are really busy! Here are some examples of what they’ve already done and will do in November and December.

• Served food and escorted people with disabilities during two ARC (Association for Retarded Citizens) holiday luncheons

• Provided the activity volunteers for “Santa’s Special Stars” activity, a preview of the “Festival of Trees” event for children and adults with disabilities

• Assist during the “Festival of Trees” event on site throughout its time period

• Help with two Salvation Army’s “Angel Tree” booths through Dec. 15th

• Write holiday cards for Military Heroes at Edgewater Senior Living Dec. 2nd

• Assist during the Butterworth Center’s “19th Century Christmas” event on site Dec. 7th

• Help with the Family Museum’s Winter-Fest family event Dec. 7th

• Assist during Bettendorf School’s Holiday Movie Night Dec. 12th

• Wrap presents for the Police and Firefighters Christmas shopping activity with inner-city children Dec. 12th.

• Deliver presents to homebound seniors as part of the “Santa for Seniors” activity

Regarding “Santa for Seniors,” there is still time to choose cards with seniors’ gift needs from those trees and purchase presents for them. The trees will be located at the Quad-City Walgreen stores in Rock Island, Milan, Moline, East Moline, Bettendorf and Davenport through Dec. 12.

There are many reasons why people volunteer for extra time during the holidays, but the “number one” reason is because they feel filled with holiday spirit. When someone expresses that spirit, the lights are more colorful, the music is more delightful and the smiles are more heartfelt. If you are interested in enhancing your holiday spirit with volunteering, please call RSVP at (309) 793-4425 or email: rsvp@wiaaa.org. Though we already have many volunteers who love to do these things – the more people who will participate, the merrier!