Volunteers Make a Difference

In April, we celebrate National Volunteer Month and all the individuals who generously donate their time and effort to make a difference in the lives of so many.

At Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), a nonprofit organization, we honor more than 650 volunteers who are dedicated to providing essential services to older adults, individuals with disabilities and others throughout the 23 communities we serve.

Our volunteers support several important programs. For example, there are more than 400 volunteers in our Nutrition Program delivering “Meals on Wheels” to homebound recipients on a daily basis. More than 40 volunteers support our Money Management Program and help older adults balance their checkbooks, reconcile bank statements, and pay their bills on time. Volunteers also serve on OCES’ Board of Directors and the Money Management Program Advisory Council as well as many other important efforts.

OCES is also fortunate to have more than 250 volunteers in the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Plymouth County, part of the AmeriCorps Seniors network, which is the federal agency for volunteering, service, and civic engagement. These volunteers help local agencies such as Plymouth Public Schools’ Reading Programs, Food Banks including South Shore Community Action Council, Veterans Services, and others.

We recognize and thank all volunteers for your important contributions to our community.

Thinking about becoming a volunteer? There are a variety of volunteer opportunities to match an individual’s interests. At OCES, we help our community partners by providing and connecting individuals to volunteer opportunities. For example, OCES recruits many volunteers for programs at other nonprofits, schools, and organizations throughout Plymouth County. For anyone who is 55 and older, OCES can provide information on RSVP of Plymouth County.

Not sure how to become a volunteer? Or, are you currently a volunteer seeking a new opportunity? The Volunteer Center at OCES, located at 204 South Meadow Road in Plymouth. Please call and make an appointment to be matched to a service opportunity that meets your needs! The Volunteer Center is a central place for prospective and current volunteers to talk one- on-one with Volunteer Program staff. They can assist in your search for volunteering opportunities that fit your skills and interests.

The Volunteer Center also serves as a designated space for volunteers to work together on specific projects, such as Letter Writing to Troops for National Days of Service and Remembrance.

Did you know? Individuals of all ages can volunteer, from high school and college students to retirees. There are many different outreach opportunities. You can choose a volunteer opportunity that best suits your schedule.

OCES is able to personally “match” volunteers and organizations. Interested in learning about the many different volunteer opportunities? Visit the Volunteer Center, open Tuesday, and Thursday by appointment only from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information about volunteer opportunities throughout Plymouth County and the Southcoast, visit OCES’ website at www.ocesma.org/volunteer or contact OCES’ Volunteer Coordinator at 508-584-1561 ext.596.