August 2024

Additional Articles from the September 2024 Newsletter

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September is here, and school is officially in session! Did you know that LifeCare Alliance partners with many schools and students of all ages throughout the year? We rely on student volunteers and highly value the time they dedicate to help us meet the needs of our clients–often on weekends, on holidays, and during the summer. Volunteering can help a student take initiative, feel good about giving back to the community, learn new things, and even strengthen a skill set.

Are you a student, a teacher, have a student athlete, need service hours for a class or graduation, or are part of a homeschool co-op? Then here are a few ways you can volunteer with us:

1. Collect items as a class or entire school for our Cancer Nutrition & Personal Items Pantry.
2. Create holiday ornaments for seniors.
3. Make cheer cards for homebound seniors to be delivered with meals. This is great for all ages and year-round!
4. Deliver lunchtime meals with your team or co-op families. Routes are available seven days a week, all around Central Ohio for one-time and recurring options!
5. Help our kitchen prepare for deliveries with a variety of tasks.

There’s a place for you in our Alliance of students and schools. Will you join us this year?

Email us at volunteer@lifecarealliance.org to get started!

Additional Articles from the September 2024 Newsletter

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Bridges Community Action Team

Many of us look forward to the day that we can finally retire and have the freedom of unlimited time to explore hobbies, travel, and leisure. However, after being retired for a while, sometimes we can become bored and lack a purpose. Having a social activity to look forward to benefits both volunteers and community members. Four-year volunteer Mark Baird says, “By delivering Meals-on-Wheels, I understand that living on your own can be a challenge for a lot of people. I’m able to help people maintain their independence.”

Delivering Meals-on-Wheels is a great way for retirees to remain active and find meaning. Five-year volunteer Karen Kennedy and her husband Michael deliver meals together. “We both started because we wanted to do some volunteer work in our retirement years, and this is a really good way to help the community. Our route takes about an hour and a half and we’re home by lunchtime.”

For some volunteers, the route is more than delivering meals. “I like helping people,” says Karen. “One client wanted to get a marker for her brother’s gravesite in a veteran’s cemetery. She did not use a computer so I printed out the rules for her. I also like to provide fresh produce from my garden.”

Ben and Kathy Iven

Daniel Wren has delivered meals in Bellefontaine for four years. He shares, “The thing that makes me want to do Meals-on-Wheels is seeing the joy in the faces of the people we serve. It is very gratifying knowing that this small part is helping many. And I have met a lot of very nice people doing this.”

LifeCare Alliance makes it easy for snowbirds or anyone to volunteer with flexible shifts to work around your life. You can even volunteer with your grandkids or other retirees. A ride-a-along can be arranged with a current volunteer to show you the ropes. To get started, contact us today by calling Stephanie Sparrow Hughes at 614-437-2815 or by emailing volunteer@lifecarealliance.org. Apply online https://www.lifecarealliance.org/volunteer/apply

Additional Articles from the September 2024 Newsletter

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Off-site volunteering is an innovative approach to support LifeCare Alliance and allows us to reach more volunteers beyond a traditional volunteer setting. Off-site volunteering means that, rather than volunteers coming to LifeCare Alliance, we bring the volunteering to you! Whether it be at a work place, church, or school, we can find a way to be there. These expanded offerings enhance community involvement and support for these essential programs, offering flexible ways for individuals to contribute their time and skills and engage in meaningful activities at a time that fits their personal schedules.

LifeCare Alliance recently collaborated with Root Insurance through this program. Team members made client cheer cards, prepared bag liners for Meals-on-Wheels delivery, and portioned dog treats for senior pet care. Just a month after this initial event, due to the positive feedback they received from their employees, Root Insurance invited LifeCare Alliance back for a second event.

Over the course of 90 minutes, Root Insurance employees created beautiful handmade greeting cards, gift bags, and ornaments for our holiday program. They also got further into the spirit by playing holiday music, helping to make this a great team bonding memory. These personal touches will add a special warmth to the holiday season for clients, reflecting the spirit of giving and community support.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can host a volunteer activity at your place of employment or in your community, please reach out to LifeCare Alliance’s volunteer team at Volunteer@lifecarealliance.org

Additional Articles from the September 2024 Newsletter

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LifeCare Alliance Senior Pet Care and Goodwill Industries will be partnering to present a special art show aimed at raising awareness and support for our pet care services. Art enthusiasts, animal lovers, and supporters of LifeCare Alliance alike will have the opportunity to view and purchase unique, animal-themed pieces created by talented employees of Goodwill Industries.

“We are excited to partner with Goodwill Industries on the art show,” says Claire Eastman, Chief Corporate & Community Engagement Officer at LifeCare Alliance. “This event is a wonderful way to highlight the artistic talents within our community while also drawing attention to the important work we do in supporting seniors’ pets. We hope it will inspire more people to get involved, either through donations or by volunteering.”

The art show will feature a diverse collection of artwork utilizing various forms of artistic media. There will also be opportunities for you to learn more about our senior pet care services and how you can help contribute to our mission. Pet care staff from LifeCare Alliance will be on hand to provide information about the program and discuss ways to get involved.

Join us for this special event that combines the joy of art with the warmth of animal companionship. Together, we can support seniors’ pets and celebrate the creativity within our community. We look forward to seeing you there!

September 26-30
11 am – 1 pm
Carrie’s Café
670 Harmon Ave
Columbus OH 43223

Additional Articles from the September 2024 Newsletter

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