Senior volunteers gladly lend their wisdom, talents and life experiences to others.
Most would agree that one of Jefferson City’s greatest resources is senior volunteers. These seasoned members of our community give countless hours to services and individuals in need.
“Many of our retired volunteers were volunteers prior to retirement and simply continue in that role and, in certain instances, increase their involvement due to more available time,” she continues. “However, whether one hour a week or 10, these volunteers share a communality: They epitomize selflessness, generosity and compassion.”
“United Way has wonderful stories about people in need and how they have affected and changed lives,” Whaley says. ‘It’s an easy story to tell.”
“These are special individuals,” Westhues says of the retired volunteers and donators, “as they have lived the experience and understand the issues and the needs of many.”
Take Vicki Myers, for example. Myers developed her concern for those in need by watching her grandmother and mother help others through their work. Myers has followed their paths into retirement and continues to work to make the community better for all.
“Being involved in the United Way allows me to get a better understanding of the needs of the community,” Myers says.
In addition to serving as a United Way board and committee member, Myers volunteers for various local agencies, not all of which are United Way partner agencies. Her community involvement includes Grace Episcopal Church, mentoring at Jefferson City High School, Council of Clubs, Capital Arts Gallery, Jefferson City YMCA, CASA, Girl Scouts and other service projects through Alpha Kappa Alpha.
Not all retiree involvement is serving on committees or purely fundraising. “Another one of our volunteers, Betty Mudd, is the organization’s go-to volunteer when the staff needs extra hands,” Bax says. “Knowing we can call her for just about anything is huge.”
“Since my retirement, doing volunteer work has given my life more meaning,” Mudd says. “It’s not challenging to stuff envelopes, collate materials, stamp mailings, fold T-shirts or wrap gifts. However, doing these things allows the United Way staff to concentrate on their major responsibilities of serving 27 partner agencies, programs and initiatives. It’s gratifying to realize that doing these simple tasks might truly be of service.”
“I believe in the United Way process because, through the many agencies it services, it touches the lives of so many in a positive way,” Westhues says.