Article by Tanya Erway, Volunteer Solutions Recruitment Coordinator, Department of Family Services
(Posted 2021 April)
This past year has been tumultuous and unpredictable. People around the globe were abruptly advised to keep their distance, wear masks, and stay home. This was indeed a hurdle, but one that’s been surmountable with caution and creativity.
A friendly phone call, a caring card, a clean yard, and Meals on Wheels are ways volunteers from Volunteer Solutions have been letting others know they care.
Many volunteers are taking part in new, pandemic-altered roles, while others are waiting to participate once they feel comfortable—or they become available. Either way, volunteers are valued!
National Volunteer Week was established by a Presidential Proclamation in 1974. April is the month where volunteers are officially recognized.
This year, National Volunteer Week is April 18-24. We appreciate all who donate their time, talent, and resources specifically to older adults, adults with disabilities and caregivers.
In 2020, of the 20,970 clients served by the Department of Family Services (DFS), Volunteer Solutions served 10,755. Also, its volunteers provided 97,019 of the department’s 138,061 volunteer hours.
Lastly, using the Independent Sector, the monetary value of volunteer hours for DFS was $3,929,216.38 in which Volunteer Solutions volunteers contributed $2,761,160.74. We applaud volunteers!
A special “thank you” to volunteers who have been giving their time in these pandemic-altered roles:
Meals on Wheels Coordinators update delivery route rosters and report meal counts.- Meals on Wheels Runners ride with Fastran drivers and deliver meals.
- Virtual Social Visitors call and chat to decrease isolation and do well-being checks.
- Senior Center Virtual Activity instructors teach activities to older adult participants.
- IT On-Call troubleshoot IT issues via phone.
- Yard work volunteers clean up leaves and debris.
- Caring Cards volunteers write kind notes to help decrease feelings of loneliness.
- Virtual office assistants help staff update the database by making phone calls to volunteers.
- 50+ Community Ambassadors help inform their social networks, family, friends, faith communities, etc., on programs for older adults.
- Virginia Insurance Counseling & Assistance Program counselors provide health insurance counseling to people with Medicare.
- Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsmen advocate for residents in long-term care.
Volunteering offers opportunities to create and maintain connections with others. It’s rewarding and may offer more than a salary ever could.
Volunteers give an invaluable gift that uplifts lives, which is needed now more than ever.
Thank you for making an impact!
(Submit county volunteer opportunities to Tanya Erway.)
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).