National Volunteer Month: Opportunities abound at SCVN

An initiative put in place more than three decades ago to spur the spirit of volunteerism is still going strong today.

In President George H.W. Bush’s 1989 inaugural address he shared his vision of

“a thousand points of light” — individuals and organizations across the nation helping others through service, according to the Points of Light website. In response to his call to action, Points of Light was created, and today is the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service.

Senior Care Volunteer Network is one organization which has benefited immensely from its own points of light: countless individuals who have over the years donated their time to help seniors in the McHenry County area, 60 years of age and better, remain in their homes for as long and as safely as possible.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of SCVN,” Outreach Director Laura Turasky said.

In 2020, SCVN volunteers contributed 12,249 hours of service to the seniors of McHenry County, including driving more than 116,000 miles, making 1,700 friendly phone calls and delivering 3,528 meals to area seniors experiencing food insecurity via SCVN’s grocery and food box delivery programs.

“These selfless individuals deliver no-cost services every day to allow our area seniors the opportunity to age in place,” Turasky said.

Are you looking for a way to give back to the community? April is National Volunteer Month, dedicated to honoring volunteers in the community as well as encouraging volunteerism throughout the month and is the perfect time to volunteer.

What better way to celebrate than by giving your time to the Senior Care Volunteer Network?

“SCVN offers some of the most flexible volunteer opportunities and we encourage volunteers to find what fits their schedule and passion — transportation, flower deliveries, minor home repairs. There is something for everyone,” Turasky said.

For more information or to complete an online volunteer application, visit https://scvnmchenrycounty.org/become-a-volunteer/.

Senior Care Volunteer Network : 42 East Street Suite C : Crystal Lake, IL 60014 : 815.455.3120 : https://www.scvnmchenrycounty.org/