Lori Graham
Contributing Writer
A year of collecting donations and fundraising culminated in producing approximately 230 bags of necessary supplies to local homebound seniors and veterans, thanks to volunteers and local agencies.
Local organizations like the NRV Agency on Aging, Virginia Department of Veterans Services, and Radford-Fairlawn Daily Bread helped identify those who might need some additional supplies this winter, Alex Strickler, Director of Human Services in Montgomery County said.
The number of volunteers for this year’s Seniors Bagging Day was overwhelming with 36 volunteers making themselves available to assist with the project that is in its 16th year.
“One of our biggest projects,” Strickler said. “We plan it for every January, trying to hit that time right after Christmas when money might be short and people are running low on supplies.”
The program also partners with the local police departments who help to deliver the supplies to local seniors and veterans. According to Strickler, Montgomery County and Radford are divided into smaller regions and the bags are delivered over a span of approximately a week.
The organization’s new branding has enabled them to extend their opportunities to help more people in the region as well as organize willing volunteers to help in their efforts.
Volunteer Montgomery’s mission, “serves to strengthen our community by empowering volunteers to utilize their time and skills,” according to their website at https://montva.com/humanservices.
Interested in volunteering? Visit their website to learn more about the opportunities they can provide to meet the needs in the New River Valley.
“We are a volunteer hub,” Strickler said. “Anyone can come out and help with volunteering.”
The link to an online application is available on Volunteer Montgomery’s Facebook page or a paper copy can be provided for interested individuals. Each volunteer has an opportunity to talk about their skills, interests, and availability during an orientation held by the organization. Any age is welcomed and encouraged to volunteer. Interested participants under the age of 18 years old must have guardian consent.
The Volunteer Montgomery Open House will be held Feb. 3 from 2-4 p.m., at 210 S. Pepper St., Suite D in Christiansburg. The Montgomery County Animal Care and Adoption Center will be at the event with some adoptable animals as well as opportunities to volunteer with the center. Additional agencies expected to be at the event are NRV Cares, Montgomery County Fire and EMS, the Office of the Attorney General, and Poverty and Later Life in Rural Appalachian Research.
On Friday, Feb. 9 Volunteer Montgomery will hold their Valentines for Vets project at their Pepper Street location. The community is invited to come on out and make Valentines cards and notes for veterans. All supplies will be provided by the organization.
Fundraising and donations play a big part in helping the organization with their outreach efforts and various programs. Volunteer Montgomery provides scholarship opportunities as well for local high school students.
An announcement for Volunteer Montgomery’s Bingo fundraising event, happening in February, will be coming soon. The event will be held at Iron Tree Brewing Company in Christiansburg where participants can have a chance to win gift cards, enjoy craft brews, and purchase food from the Cabo Fish Taco food truck that will be available in front of the brewery.
