“Between all of us, we can do a little bit to help make our community a better place.” - Jim, Helping Hands Volunteer
Volunteer Profiles - Meet Ron and Jim
“Between all of us, we can do a little bit to help make our community a better place.” - Jim, Helping Hands Volunteer
We recently had the opportunity to sit down with two Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteers and talk about their experience of volunteering in our community.
Ron and Jim are known as the “dynamic duo” by Volunteer Center staff. They have been completing volunteer assignments together for many years for Helping Hands Senior Home Repair. Ron and Jim have been neighbors, friends, workout partners and volunteers together for over 13 years. Together they have installed over 500 grab bars and given well beyond 2,200 hours of service to low-income seniors who need home repairs and modifications in order to remain safe in their homes. Collectively, they have given over 30 years of volunteer service to our community.
Ron started out as a board member for the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County. After he retired, he knew he wanted to continue to contribute to the mission of the Volunteer Center and found a perfect match with Helping Hands. Ron eventually recruited Jim to volunteer on days he was not involved with Kiwanis Club projects.
They both love meeting and helping people. Jim told us when he visits the homes of seniors in need, “I can see where they need the help and know that they can’t afford the repairs. It feels good to be able to help them out.”
“I think there’s a lot of people out there that want to do something to benefit other people but they don’t know how to get involved in the community. I tell people about what I do and let them decide if they want to get involved.” Ron went on to say that, “The Volunteer Center has a whole range of programs that will suit just about everyone. It’s kind of nice they are all under one umbrella.” He invites anyone who is interested in volunteering to check out all the opportunities through the Volunteer Center.
Ron and Jim continue to stay engaged in volunteering through RSVP. They are inspired by friends who help the community and by those who remain active for the purpose of serving others. Jim says with a smile, “Between all of us, we can do a little bit to help make our community a better place.”
This month we celebrate Senior Corp Week and Older American’s Month and we invite you to get involved by choosing a volunteer opportunity that supports seniors in action. View Our List
Give Your Time
GIVE YOUR TIME: Are you also passionate about connecting with your community and helping seniors in need? Volunteer with Helping Hands
FIND YOUR CAUSE: Still trying to discover your passion? The Volunteer Center can help. Connect with a Match-Maker