Pen-Pals wanted

MT. PLEASANT—Wednesday, Jan. 11, Lindsey Ford, Director for Americorp Seniors’ Henry County RSVP program at the Fellowship Cup, held orientation for the inaugural year of a pen-pal collaboration with Harlan Elementary.

The pen-pal program is simple. RSVP will match each fourth grade student at Harlan elementary with a RSVP volunteer, and they will exchange letters throughout the school year.

“This is meets some of the guidelines for fourth grades set by the state for letter writing,” Ford said.

According to Ford, RSVP also offers a reading buddy volunteer opportunity, but she has seen a significant decline in volunteers following the pandemic.

When Ford heard of other RSVP directors throughout the state talking about their pen-pal programs, she got excited to add the opportunity in Henry County.

“It is a way to have intergenerational interactions and for the students to learn some more of what they may have lost over the pandemic,” she added. “It is also a great opportunity for volunteers to stay safe from the weather and illnesses at the same time.”

“This is a very exciting opportunity for Henry County residents and I am really looking forward to getting this program going,” Ford said.

As of Wednesday’s orientation, 10 volunteers signed-up for the pen-pal program. With 35 students to serve at Harlan Elementary, Ford would love to add additional volunteers.

“For RSVP you must be age 55 or better,” she said. “You can stop in at my office at the Fellowship cup and I can get you the orientation information and get you set up.”

“If they’re not already an RSVP volunteer, I can get them set up, but that is a pretty quick process,” Ford assured.

Additionally, Ford is still hopeful to find more reading buddy volunteers.

“I ask volunteers if they have a specific school they want to go to and try to match them up with times and a classroom,” she explained of reading buddy placements.

“We always have volunteer opportunities here at RSVP,” she added.

According to Ford, there is always a need for more medical transportation volunteers, but there are a total of 17 different volunteer opportunities available.

“Our Facebook is probably the best way to find out about the different volunteer opportunities,” she said. “We post daily about our volunteer opportunities.”

Ford also likes to post information about “just living” and “on Fridays I just post something funny.”

To find them on Facebook just look for Henry County RSVP.

Those interested in volunteer opportunities can also reach out to Ford via phone at 319 385-3242

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com