SHOW THE LOVE: HOW FSA’S VOLUNTEERS ARE STILL BRINGING JOY TO SENIORS DURING THE NATIONAL PANDEMIC

Volunteers assist Family Service Association with many projects.  With COVID-19, many of our volunteer opportunities have been reduced or changed. Pre-COVID, seniors were able to visit senior centers to socialize and eat a meal prepared by FSA’s Senior Nutrition. Now, meals are provided weekly to seniors in need, via a drive-through method.

Tomas has been volunteering since September at the Moreno Valley Fir St. site. “I like helping older people with a healthy meal,” he said.

“We love Tomas here,” said Maria Birts, Cook.  “He is fast and helps us get our meals quickly packed for deliveries.”

 When not volunteering, Tomas enjoys his grandchildren and watching soccer.

Volunteers also come from Equus Workforce Solutions, a training program for young adults, ages 16 to 24.  FSA helps prepare them with career skills.  For both Isis and David, helping Senior Nutrition is their first workplace experience.

Isis, a recent student at Audeo Charter School, hopes to have a career in game design.  She enjoys art and likes to help her community.

David will graduate in February from Innovation High School.  He hopes to have a career in health and fitness.  He enjoys exercise, Juijitsu and gardening.  He likes being connected to his community and learning new skills.

Virtual Volunteers also sent FSA cards from New York, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Texas, and Northern/Southern California.  Bookmarks and Crossword/Sudoku puzzles have also been donated. Cheerful Cards are being distributed to community seniors with their home-delivered meals.  These seniors, over age 60, are unable to get out of their homes due to illness, incapacity or COVID-19 restrictions.

Cards have been coming to FSA from volunteers in the Inland Empire and across the nation. Volunteers have included UCR and MVC students, corporate employees (Target and US Bank), dental/nursing students. Special contributors include Riverside STEM Academy (CSF Club); Girl Scout troops (Temecula), and Church of the Latter-day Saints (Fontana).

Tammy involved her family and friends to create hundreds of cards in English and Spanish. Her cheerful cards have brought joy and vitality to seniors who receive them along with their nutritious meals. She is a student at Moreno Valley College majoring in Human Services.

We truly appreciate the support that generous volunteers provide to help FSA meet its mission.

Article By: Kathy Knox, Volunteer Manager - Human Resources