AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers assemble hygiene kits for local church ministry
A generous spirit and a zeal for community service recently united AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers, local students and community partners to assemble and donate 117 hygiene kits. Senior volunteers packed the kits on April 28 at Southeastern Community College. Sue Spivey, an RSVP volunteer, applied for a $250 community service grant through her insurance provider, Thrivent.
“I was honored to assist her in the grant application process, and we were thrilled when she was awarded the funds,” said Alice Paul, Director of AmeriCorps Seniors. “From there, the idea expanded into a full-scale hygiene product donation drive.”
To maximize the impact of the grant, AmeriCorps Seniors organized a donation drive, collecting hygiene items from across the region. Donations came in from community members, SCC staff and faculty, SCC nursing and medical laboratory technology students, AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers and local pageant representatives Columbus County Fair Queen Mia Soles, Bladen County Fourth of July Elite Abby Thomas and Ms. Coastal Cape Fear Sara Ritenour, Paul said.
The original intent behind this initiative was to support the Facts of Life Outreach Community-Based Programs, led by its pastor Daisy Vereen Brooks.
“This ministry has been a pillar in our area for many years—long before the opening of the warming center—and it continues to offer critical services to individuals and families in need,” Paul said. “Sue Spivey was especially passionate about giving Pastor Daisy something tangible that could truly make a difference.”
Through this project, Paul explained that the challenges facing our community extended far beyond the cold months of the year. She said the need for basic hygiene essentials was year-round. In addition to the 117 kits, AmeriCorps Seniors donated six bags and boxes of miscellaneous hygiene items and two gift cards to the Facts of Life ministry.
“Hygiene kits can be an invaluable resource for someone without regular access to these items, and we wanted to ensure that this outreach effort had both immediate and lasting impact,” Paul said. “Each kit included shampoo/conditioner, lotion, a toothbrush and toothpaste, mouthwash, tissues, a nail board, a comb and deodorant.”
Assisting Paul with the kit assembly were Evelyn Barden, Elizabeth Chase, Sue Gore, Betty Hinson, Anne Kelly, Betty Pearl, Charles Simpson, Shirley Skipper, Janice Smith, Sue Spivey, Gail Suggs, Harlene Walters and AmeriCorps Seniors administrative assistant Dania Arellano-Herrera.
“The grant even allowed us to provide T-shirts for everyone who volunteered, making the day both productive and fun,” Paul said. “This initiative was a perfect example of how small grants, when paired with community engagement and volunteerism, can go a long way. Through collaboration, compassion and hard work, we were able to stretch the grant dollars and meet a pressing need in our community.”
Interested in joining the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP at SCC, contact Alice Paul at [email protected] to get started.
