Published February 21, 2014
For the past two years, members of the University of Louisiana at Monroe’s Retired
and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)—part of ULM’s Department of Gerontology—donate
lap blankets for elders in wheelchairs to the Community Soup Kitchen, in Monroe.
Nine, multi-colored, hand-crocheted lap blankets were distributed to elders and physically
challenged individuals who receive meals from the Community Soup Kitchen.
Dr. Karen Kopera-Frye, director of ULM gerontology, says the volunteers look forward
to donating to the facility every year.
“This act of kindness epitomizes the treasures we have in our RSVP volunteers,” said
Frye. “They work endless hours without pay, for all types of community charitable
endeavors. We are proud that they are part of our Gerontology Department.”
Rita Massey, director of ULM’s RSVP program for over 24 years, said, “Our volunteers
work endless hours to help make our community a safer and better place to live. I
am also thankful for the opportunity to work and learn from them.”
ULM is the sponsoring agent for RSVP, which is run by the ULM department of Gerontology
and funded by a grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service.
The RSVP program connects those 55 and older with volunteer opportunities in Ouachita,
Union, Lincoln and Bienville parishes.
For more information about RSVP, visit https://www.ulm.edu/gerontology/rsvp.html
Teresa Gadberry, RSVP outreach coordinator; Dr. Karen Kopera-Frye, head of ULM gerontology;
and Dr. Pamela Saulsberry, head of ULM social work, present the hand-crafted blankets
donated to the Community Soup Kitchen patrons.
