We at RSVP would like to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to all of the volunteers who serve their communities every day, and thank them also, for adapting to changes necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many RSVP volunteers are not able to continue volunteering because their volunteer station is closed or they are in the at-risk age group. We know it is a difficult time right now, and many of them are missing the volunteer work they do, the places they go to volunteer, and the people they see while volunteering.
Some of our programs that provide essential services have continued during the pandemic, with younger volunteers stepping up to help.
- Drivers for the Food Bridge program continue to deliver groceries to seniors with modifications – picking up prepacked bags of groceries rather than “shopping” at River Food Pantry and leaving groceries on seniors’ doorsteps instead of carrying them inside.
- Likewise, Home Delivered Meal drivers are leaving hot meals on the doorstep, then watching from a distance as seniors come to the door to pick them up.
- Many of our volunteer drivers have been temporarily suspended from driving because they’re in the most-at-risk age group, but Dane County Transportation Center has made sure that seniors get to essential medical appointments like chemotherapy and dialysis. Many drivers are participating in the “Telephone Safety Check” program started to check in on passengers who are isolated and could benefit from the concern and companionship that a call brings.
- Dozens of Group Projects volunteers have created hundreds of masks for our local volunteers who are delivering meals, for our healthcare workers, and others providing needed community services.
- Our Computer Buddies continue to blog with their elementary students, with many interesting conversations about what it’s like to shelter-at-home.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities in good times and times of challenge. Thank you all for your caring, your compassion, and your willingness to serve others.