Southern Kentucky volunteers over the age of 55 are being sought out to help with a number of service-related organizations in the region.
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program—or RSVP—assists efforts such as food pantries, blood drives, and school mentoring campaigns in Allen, Barren, Logan, Simpson, and Warren counties. Kathy Trulock oversees the program, and says another way senior volunteers help is by getting people signed up for health coverage through the state’s benefit exchange, known as kynect.
“A lot of people don’t know they’re eligible for that. So we have that program here at our agency, and we need people to educate folks who qualify, and how they can sign up.”
RSVP volunteer coordinator Holly Vincent says the group has been critical in assisting a Thursday night soup kitchen in Bowling Green that serves 200-300 people a week. She says those involved in the effort often choose to assist agencies that reach out to other senior citizens.
But Vincent adds many older volunteers also want to help younger Kentuckians.
“We don’t just serve seniors. We’ve had volunteers who mentor children, and just having that one-on-one help in school—that makes a great impact. Whether it’s just reading a book to them or teaching them to write their name, those are services (the children) really need.”
For information about the RSVP program, which operates through Community Action of Southern Kentucky, is availablehere.
