WS Chronicle

By Althea Taylor Jones, Ph.D.

The AARP Forsyth Chapter is a long-standing group of diverse “seasoned citizens” making a difference in Winston-Salem and beyond. The membership is open to those who are 50-plus in age and are members of national AARP. 

Recently the group enjoyed a guided tour of the new facility of Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina. Twenty current and potential members of AARP Forsyth Chapter #1797 showed and shared love while learning valuable information regarding services provided by the Food Bank, particularly regarding goals and objectives for reduction  and future elimination of hunger. 

The members expressed their profound appreciation to Second Harvest Food Bank for making our community a better place to live for ALL citizens. They are equally as grateful to the individuals, agencies, organizations and groups that contribute food, funds, time, and other means to make a positive impact and enhance the quality of life of others. 

Prior to the COVID 19 Pandemic, chapter members developed a schedule and completed volunteer hours at Second Harvest on a regular basis. Some of the activities included sorting and packaging items to be picked up by and/or delivered to community residents. An updated schedule of volunteer activities will be developed and implemented soon. 

Chapter members are actively engaged in education, community service, and advocacy. In addition to their volunteer service with Second Harvest Food Bank, some of their other community service engagements include: Salvation Army holiday bell ringing; Elder Abuse Awareness Walk with the Piedmont Triad Regional Council, Area Agency on Aging; health fairs with various agencies and organizations; shred-a-thons and other services in collaboration with N.C/ and Triad AARP.

The chapter also collects, donates and transports school supplies for the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Teacher’s Warehouse; personal care items for assisted living facilities; food items for Senior Services Grocery Bag program; as well as other community service initiatives.

Join us in our regular monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise indicated  (the chapter does not meet in July and August). Meetings are held at Senior Services, 2895 Shorefair Drive at 12 noon. Bring your lunch, enjoy the fellowship, benefit from an educational program, as well as learn other information addressing senior concerns/issues.

For additional information, please contact: Alberta Powell, president, at powellalberta0@gmail.com or 336-486-9391; or Geneva Herbert, program chair, at evaleejr2@gmail.com or 336-287-0575.

Althea Taylor Jones, Ph.D, is an AARP NC/Triad Leadership Team member/chapter mentor and legislative chairperson. Reach her at drataylorjones@gmail.com or 336-705-2501.