Virtual Volunteering & Other Ways to Help

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when we were not able to have volunteers serving in our homes, virtual opportunities were such an important way for volunteers and community members to stay connected with our residents. And we were so impressed with the creative ways they did that!

Even though we are able to resume in-person volunteering, we would love to keep those creative opportunities available for those who live too far away to come into our homes, for when we may have to temporarily halt in-person volunteering, or for those who would prefer the convenience of serving from home.

One way you can help is by mailing letters and cards of appreciation to our residents and staff. You may send them to the activities departments of one or all of our three locations listed below, and we will distribute them. You can also email your encouraging pictures, letters and drawings virtually to waystohelp@agrhodes.org. We’d also love to see your videos so send us an email and we’ll give you instructions on where to upload your video.

Volunteers have been so creative in coming up with ways to engage with our residents virtually. Teens hosted a sports-themed zoom party, college students planned and hosted zoom art classes, and volunteers host monthly Current Events zoom sessions for residents. If you have an idea for hosting a fun virtual activity for our residents, we would love to hear it!

There are many ways volunteers can support activities in our homes without actually being in our homes. Holidays are a perfect time for this kind of support! Volunteers can assemble treat bags for Valentine’s Day or Halloween, fill eggs for Easter, make custom gift bags for Mother’s Day, host Secret Santa at Christmas, and more!

Meaningful and engaging activities are an incredibly important part of our residents’ lives for so many reasons, including social connections and mental and physical well-being. Most activities require supplies; COVID-19 increased this need as many items are no longer able to be shared or re-used. Some of the most frequently used items include art supplies, craft supplies, and personal care items for BINGO prizes.

The A.G. Rhodes community of friends, families and supporters has been of immeasurable importance to us as we adapt to the changing circumstances presented by COVID-19, and we are so grateful for your messages of solidarity and support during this time. Many of our friends have also asked us how they can lend a helping hand in meeting these new challenges, and you can make a tax-deductible donation in support of our COVID-19 response efforts. Donations will fund enrichment programs for our residents as we adapt our programming to meet safety guidelines. It will also provide morale-boosting expressions of gratitude and support for our staff who continue to work diligently to provide extraordinary care. Simply click on the donate button and designate your gift to Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response.

A.G. Rhodes is an exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code. All donations are tax deductible and you will receive a donor acknowledgement letter.

Visit www.agrhodes.org/coronavirus to see the latest updates on A.G. Rhodes’ preparation and response to the Coronavirus.