The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) provides fulfilling volunteer opportunities for people age 55 and older. Below are a few of our current opportunities. To learn about additional ways to serve, contact Jan Karst at jkarst@rsvpdane.org or 608-441-7891.
UW ARBORETUM is getting ready for Spring! Volunteers are needed to assist at the Welcome and Visitor Desk, greeting visitors, providing maps and brochures, suggesting areas for walks, and offering resources to address questions or needs.
They also need Bookstore Volunteers to welcome visitors and to direct visitors to books and merchandise of interest, use a computer to search for information and check availability or inventory, provide maps and brochures, suggest areas for walks, and offer resources to address questions or needs. Volunteers also open and close the cash register at the beginning and end of the day, add new inventory to the shelves and work on display ideas. Three hour shifts are available on weekdays and weekends.
RSVP Volunteer Bus Buddy Coordinators are needed to help teach others how to navigate the Metro Bus system! Are you a seasoned bus rider who would like to help others open a whole new road to independence? You can help teach older adults, refugees, and people with disabilities learn to ride the buses to work, school, medical appointments, grocery stores, or places of interest. For more information, contact Jan Karst at 608-441-7891 or jkarst@rsvpdane.org.
Help older adults remain in their homes by delivering hot, nutritious meals. Drivers are needed in communities outside of Madison: Belleville, Fitchburg, DeForest, Oregon, McFarland, Middleton, NW Dane, Stoughton, Sun Prairie, SW Dane, Verona, and Waunakee. Mileage reimbursement and extra insurance are available. For more information, contact Steve Jaeschke at 608-441-7892 or sjaeschke@rsvpdane.org.
Help low-income, home-bound seniors by delivering groceries. Volunteers pick up pre-packed food boxes once a month from The River Food Pantry and deliver them to senior participants. Drivers receive mileage reimbursement and extra insurance. For more information, contact Steve Jaeschke at 608-441-7892 or sjaeschke@rsvpdane.org
Use your talent to keep our community warm, safe and comforted by creating quilts, tote bags, hats, scarves, mittens, shawls, baby items and more! Materials are furnished, and items are donated to nonprofit and public organizations in Dane County. For more information, contact Tara Curtis at tcurtis@rsvpdane.org or 608-310-7280.
Volunteers are needed to pick up unused food at stores and bakeries and deliver it to food pantries, repackage bulk food into family serving sizes, serve meals to seniors, and help guests register and select food at pantries. For more information, contact Jan Karst at jkarst@rsvpdane.org or 608-441-7891.
Habitat ReStore needs help sorting and labeling donations, either at their stores or in your home. For more information, contact Jan Karst at 608-441-7891 or jkarst@rsvpdane.org.
RSVP’s Foster Grandparent Program is seeking volunteers to support children in Madison Head Start Centers and elementary schools. Foster Grandparents offer one-on-one tutoring and attention to students who need extra support in literacy and social/emotional development, working a minimum of five hours per week. Eligible volunteers receive a stipend and transportation reimbursement. To learn more about this unique opportunity, contact Paula Reif at 608-441-7894 or preif@rsvpdane.org.
Volunteers are needed to drive seniors to medical appointments. Hours are flexible; you will receive a call and can accept or decline the assignment. Mileage and extra insurance are available. This service is often key to older adults being able to remain in their homes. For more information, contact Steve Jaeschke at 608-441-7892 or sjaeschke@rsvpdane.org.
Help with food pantry gardens, maintain trails at the UW Arboretum, tend flower gardens at various locations, or walk dogs at the Dane County Humane Society. Henry Vilas Zoo also has many opportunities to work outside with visitors. For more information, contact Jan Karst at 608-441-7891 or jkarst@rsvpdane.org.
