RSVP is a select group of people at least 55 years of age or better who actively support our community by volunteering at non-profit agencies of their choice. RSVP volunteers do just about anything – from comforting terminally ill persons and assisting in school classrooms, to helping adults learn English as a second language or teaching a mature driving class. RSVP volunteers form partnerships with human service agencies to make a difference in the quality of life in our community.

Here in Cortland County, RSVP has over 690 members who volunteer at 60 different agencies. Assignments can be on a regular or substitute basis designed to fit you schedule. If you are 55 years of age or better and have an interest in helping people and time to share, contact RSVP staff at 753-5057 for information on becoming a RSVP volunteer. Volunteer areas include environmental studies, public safety, nutrition, bookkeeping, community development and many others. Volunteering is a great  way to meet people, learn new things or refresh your skills.

What volunteer opportunities are there?

The opportunities for your skills and experience in community service are varied and interesting. RSVP volunteers donate their services to over 60 different non-profit agencies in Cortland County. 

The following is a brief listing of various types of volunteer assignments:

• Animals
• Assist at senior centers
• Assist at with activities at nursing homes
• Beautification projects
• Bloodmobiles
• Bookkeeping
• Carpenter/woodworking
• Classroom driving instruction
• Clerical/receptionist
• Computers
• Conduct classes
• Conferences/registration
• Deliver meals to homebound
• Environmental work
• Financial counseling
• Food distribution
• Gardening
• Health Issues/Screening
• Historical work
• Home delivered meals
• Hospice
• Kitchen helpers/food servers
• Library work
• One-to-one with young people (Pre-school, Elementary, High School, College)
• Photography
• Prepare mailings
• Provide transportation
• Public safety
• Public speaking
• Respite
• Sewing/knitting, crocheting
• Teach crafts
• Telephone work
• Tourist information Booth
• Tutor (Adults, other)
• Typing
• Usher/ticket taker
• Visit/phone homebound seniors
• Visit residents of nursing homes
• Work with disabled

CURRENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

The Salvation Army is in need of Bell Ringers for their holiday kettle drive.  If you have a few hours to spare helping to raise funds for their annual holiday baskets, it would truly be appreciated.

The 1890 House museum has requested volunteers to act as docent/tour guides. Duties include greeting visitors, handing out information and providing a brief orientation. Shifts are available on Thurs., Fri., or Sat. from 12 Noon to 4:00 pm

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) needs volunteers! MOPS meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 8:45 - 11:30 am at Grace Christian Fellowship. Volunteers provide childcare while the young moms work on a craft, listen to a guest speaker, and have an adult conversation with another mother. 

The Cortland County Historical Society has requested volunteer support for answering phones, greeting visitors and doing light clerical work. Time slots are flexible. Wed. - Sat. or Tues. afternoon

The Lime Hollow Center for Environment and Culture would appreciate volunteers willing to staff their Visitors Center on weekends. If you love the outdoors and meeting new people, this is a great assignment.

Cortland Regional Medical Center has many volunteer opportunities. Volunteers help in the offices and information desk, deliver the mail, help in the coffee shop, assist patients filling out menus and do patient transport.

CAPCO's Family Essentials would welcome volunteer help in their Thrift Store on Thursdays from 4 - 6 pm. Volunteers would assist customers, sort and display donated items, and maintain a record of donations.

CNY SNAP (Spay and Neuter Assistance Program) has requested volunteers to help clean cages and feed the animals at their Central Avenue location any weekday from 8 - 11 am or 4- 7 pm.

The American Red Cross would love volunteer help with their weekly free Blood Pressure Screenings. These screenings take place every Friday from 10 am to 1 pm at various banks in Cortland. Volunteers must have training as an RN, LPN, MA or EMT.

The Alzheimer's Association has requested a Speaker's Bureau Volunteer to do presentations about the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's at various community events. Good communication skills are required, as well as the ability to speak in front of a group of people. Training is provided. 

RSVP VOLUNTEERS IN ACTION

Call RSVP at 753-5057 for further information or stop in to our office located in the lower level of the County Office Building, Room B2 at 60 Central Ave., Cortland. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or e-mail us at rsvp@cortland-co.org.