RSVP Digest


September 2022

Volume 1: Issue 3


Welcome
Janet McCoy, RSVP Manager

It has been more than two decades since that fateful day of September 11, 2001. A day we promised to #NeverForget. RSVP in Escambia County is joining AmeriCorps members throughout our nation to recognize 9/11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance.  

Please honor those we lost and heroes of that day through an act of service. Let's unite to help build a new foundation for the future by serving alongside our neighbors. Together we can create relationships between communities and individuals to inspire a lifetime of service in all Americans.


I am grateful for each of you and the service you provide in our community, not just on 9/11, but on every day throughout the year.  


Please post selfies of your service using both of these hashtags:


 #911DayOfService     #United4WFL 

Save the Date for Lunch & Learn

Pensacola Public Library

September 27 @ 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.


You asked for it and you are getting it. The September Lunch & Learn will focus on technology--internet safety, cybersecurity, and avoiding phishing.



Librarians and media specialists will share their expertise and provide an overview of the numerous and varied free services available at the library.


Space is limited so click this link to pre-register in the "Get Connected" volunteer platform. More details will follow in the "RSVP: Mid-Month Blast."

Volunteer Spotlight: Day of Caring Prep

Photo (left to right): Joanna Abel, Diane Stafford, and Barbara Sawyer


Day of Caring, on October 7, will be the largest annual volunteer event sponsored by the United Way of West Florida. RSVP will participate by delivering books to some of the Little Free Libraries in Escambia County. 


RSVP members prepared for Day of Caring at their August Lunch & Learn event. They sorted gently-used books then added a donor sticker and inserted a informational flyer from a UWWF partner agency.


Contact the RSVP Manager, Janet McCoy, if you want to deliver books on October 7. Go to the Day of Caring webpage for additional details and to see over 50 other service projects where you can serve.

Community Partner Spotlight:

Florida Power & Light


RSVP received a grant to provide Hurricane Meal Kits to 151 seniors who are economically fragile with limited transportation. This project was underwritten by Florida Power and Light through their NextEra Energy Foundation.


RSVP members prepared the kits. Each contained a disaster preparedness manual plus three days of shelf-stable food including bottled water. United Way of West Florida and RSVP partnered with: (1) Take Stock in Children to deliver five kits to grandparents raising grandchildren; (2) Florida Veterans Support Line to deliver 27 kits to area vets; and (3) VITAS Healthcare to deliver 119 kits to patients. 

Laura Gilliam, President/CEO of UWWF and staff of the Florida Veterans Support Line receive 27 Hurricane Meal Kits provided by NextEra Energy Foundation and FLP.

Wes Hudgens, Senior Community Relations Specialist at FPL, presents 119 Hurricane Meal Kits to Marla Hecht, Volunteer Manager at VITAS Healthcare.

Family Friendly Event

Kites on the Coast at Casino Beach


Friday, September 2 @ 4 p.m. to sunset

Saturday, September 3 @ 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.


September is intergenerational month. The Council on Aging of West Florida is presenting an event with no admission fee during the Labor Day weekend. The two-day event will include professional kite flying demonstrations, a kite hospital, food trucks, and kids' activities.


The United Way of West Florida and RSVP are hosting a table with information on Friday. Please stop by and say, "Hello!"


PNJ Article

AmeriCorps Video - 9/11 Day of Service