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Volunteers In Action seeks community support to sustain vital senior services
Public invited to support volunteer programs this Giving Tuesday
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COURTESY PHOTO Food delivery to homebound seniors is one of the many senior services in jeopardy due to loss of grant funds at the federal level.

This Giving Tuesday, Volunteers In Action of Central KS is seeking community help to sustain essential volunteer-driven services that support seniors, veterans, and families in need.

For 50 years, Volunteers In Action of Central KS relied on funding from the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP grant to coordinate hundreds of volunteers who deliver Meals on Wheels, provide medical transportation, assist with free tax preparation, guide Medicare beneficiaries, shop for groceries and distribute senior food boxes.

Earlier this year, that federal grant was not renewed, leaving a significant gap in the funding needed to manage, train, and recruit volunteers, said Linn Hogg, director of the local program.

“Each one of these programs depends on caring, committed volunteers – and on the coordination that connects them with those who need help,” Hogg said. “Without that support, vulnerable neighbors may lose the lifeline these volunteers provide.

“Quite frankly, without Volunteers In Action and the volunteers they manage, over 1,000 meals will not be delivered to homebound seniors, and more than 40 people each month will not receive the rides to medical appointments that they desperately need,” Hogg said.

She emphasized that many programs are only available through Volunteers In Action and primarily serve seniors. The loss of such a program would create a significant gap in services for the elderly, many of whom live well below the poverty line.

Giving Tuesday, celebrated worldwide on Dec. 2, is a global day of generosity that encourages people to give back in meaningful ways. Donations to Volunteers In Action of Central KS will directly fund volunteer coordination and community outreach that ensure these vital services continue.

“Giving Tuesday is not about how large your donation is, but about recognizing that your contribution helps those in need,” said Hogg.

To donate, visit https://gbcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/grant?grant_id=13137 or mail your contribution to Golden Belt Community Foundation, 1307 Williams St., Great Bend, KS 67530 “In support of Volunteers In Action of Central KS.”

“Together, we can make sure no one is left behind,” said Hogg. “When we support our volunteers, we strengthen our entire community.”