Throughout its history, our nation has benefited from the countless contributions of its older Americans. We celebrated those contributions throughout May during Older Americans Month, which promoted the theme “Make Your Mark.” Our gratitude will continue for the rest of 2020 and beyond.
The Administration for Community Living (ACL) and Senior Corps of the Corporation for National and Community Service would like to take this opportunity to jointly thank all the older Americans who are making their mark by volunteering in their communities. Their selfless generosity has a significant, positive impact on the lives of older adults and many others. As community-based organizations adapt to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, our seniors are finding new ways to safely volunteer. Their efforts support the continued independence of neighbors who overwhelmingly prefer to remain in their own homes, but need certain supports to achieve that goal.
There are so many examples of how these volunteers are making a difference throughout our country. We have seen dedicated Senior Corps volunteers jump into action by sewing face masks for staff at local organizations, senior centers, and medical facilities. To address food insecurity, some are carefully delivering doorway and curbside hot meals to older Americans while others conduct friendly tele-services and video chats to ensure that adults who are homebound have resources they need. Those virtual engagements also support social connectedness, which research shows reduces isolation among older adults, particularly during this pandemic.
We are not surprised by these efforts because volunteering reflects the true spirit of America. As the face of our nation grows older, ACL and Senior Corps will continue to work together to provide new and innovative ways for older Americans to remain active and engaged through volunteering. We share a commitment to ensuring that seniors can continue to use their skills and talents to make their mark on society. We know their volunteerism not only promotes their own well-being but also that of their fellow Americans, their communities, and this nation. And we thank them all for their service.