March 29, 2024

RSVP MLK Day of Service collects personal need items

For Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Day of Service” on Jan. 15, Retired and Senior Volunteers (RSVP) set up at Fareway and Hy-Vee in Newton to collect much needed “personal care items” for the local Salvation Army. RSVP chose to collect “personal care items” because they are often overlooked and often carry a higher price tag than other food pantry items.

RSVP thanks all those who donated. The community response to this cause is always overwhelming. RSVP thanks Fareway and Hy-Vee for hosting our volunteers and the following volunteers who braved the frigid temperatures: Sandy Bouck, Bev Edge, Butch Hedberg, Verneil Knott, Bud Langmaid, Larry Pauley, Brenda Penning, Mildred Rawlins, Jim Tracy and Meredith Tracy.

MLK Day of Service is one day, of many, that RSVP volunteers are active in the community. You will find RSVP volunteers helping in other ways throughout the year. Whether it’s reading to a student with our HEART program (Help Engage a Reader Today), transporting eligible clients to medical appointments in or out of the county with our Jasper County RIDE program, or offering free tax preparation services for low/middle income families and elderly clients at DMACC (coming to you beginning Feb. 1), volunteers are there, filling a need. The volunteers help the City of Newton ensure the warning sirens are in good working order, as well as assisting the Chamber of Commerce, Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge, SKIFF Medical Center and Jasper County Elderly Nutrition. They also visit shut ins and help with many other unsung programs in Jasper County.

Volunteers are always needed. You can make a difference starting right in here in Jasper County. Come see Donita or Denice at RSVP in the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach office located at DMACC or call us at 641-792-6433.