Phoebe Volunteer Services donated $36,500 to the SOWEGA Council on Aging during a check presentation yesterday. The money will be used to help fund the RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) Ramp Builders Program and the RSVP Sewing Program. For more than 10 years, Phoebe has partnered with the Council on Aging to help provide the two programs.

“Our partnership with the Council on Aging is invaluable. We appreciate all the hours and hard work the volunteers contribute to help not only our patients and their families but our community,” said Suzanne Perrine, Director, Phoebe Volunteer Services.

The RSVP Ramp Builders program constructs ramps at the homes of seniors and individuals with disabilities, allowing them safe access to their homes. Each year the group builds an average of 100 ramps around the community. The RSVP Sewing Program makes approximately 5,000 teddy bears each year. The teddy bears are delivered every Wednesday and are distributed throughout all Phoebe hospitals in the Emergency Center, Post Anesthesia Care Unit, Surgical Family Waiting, Admitting Registration, Pediatrics and ICU waiting areas. Individuals who participate in either program are not only volunteers with the Council on Aging but also Phoebe Volunteers.

“The SOWEGA Council on Aging and our Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) are thrilled to partner with Phoebe in serving our community. These funds will be used to purchase lumber and materials to build ramps as well as fabric and supplies for the teddy bears,” added Izzie Sadler, Executive Director, SOWEGA Council on Aging.

Proceeds from the hospital’s gift shop made the donation to these two community outreach programs possible.