RSVP Newsletter
July 9, 2021
Learn about technology!
Do you have questions about your electronic device? Would you like to learn more about phone settings, Facetime, Google or Zoom? Tech-ED for Older Adults is coming soon to Volunteer Fox Cities. You will be able to make one-on-one appointments with a technology expert who will teach you the basics so you can achieve your goals - at no cost to you! During your appointment, you can bring your own device - laptop, tablet or cell phone - and we will work with you on the things you would like to know! Or you can borrow one of our iPads during the instruction. For more information, contact Jan at jan@volunteerfoxcities.org or 920-832-9360.
Scammers cash in on confusion over
vaccine verification methods
It's now been months after the first rollout of COVID-19 vaccines, and people are eager to get back to their regular activities.

Some states, companies, colleges and other organizations are creating their own verification products and services to show proof of vaccination, including apps, digital passports, and certificates. Some connect to state immunization databases, while others rely on individual self-reporting. This patchwork approach gives scammers an opportunity to cash in on the confusion.

Besides not sharing your COVID-19 vaccination card online because of the risk for identity theft, here are a few other ways to help stay ahead of the scammers:
  • Be skeptical of anyone contacting you from the federal government. Right now, there are no official plans to create a national vaccine verification app, certificate or passport. If you get a call, email, or text from someone saying they’re from the federal government, and asking for personal information or money in exchange for a vaccine certificate or passport, that’s a scam.
  • Check with airlines, cruise lines and event venues about their requirements. Don’t rely on information from someone who calls, texts, or emails you out of the blue.
  • Contact your state government about its vaccine verification plans and requirements.
  • Don’t share your information with just anyone. Scammers often set up real-looking websites to sell fake goods and services, so why not vaccine verification certificates or passports? Before you share any information online, check out who’s asking for it. Search online for the company or organization’s name with words like “scam,” “review” or “complaint.” Think long and hard before you share personal information, like your Social Security, Medicare, credit card or bank account numbers. Scammers can steal your information to commit fraud and identity theft.

If you know about a COVID-19 vaccine scam tell the FTC about it or file a complaint with your state or territory attorney general at the consumer website of the National Association of Attorneys General.
Tribal Food Box Packing Event
Feeding America is seeking seven volunteers to meet at Feeding America, 2911 W. Evergreen Dr., Appleton. A staff member will accompany the volunteers, who will be transported in a van to the Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative in Waupaca. The van departs at 8 a.m. and returns at 1 p.m. every-other Wednesday through November.

In addition, 15 volunteers in Waupaca are needed to travel on their own to the Wisconsin Food Hub Cooperative, E502 WI-54, arriving at 9 a.m. and working until 12 p.m. every-other Wednesday through November.
To volunteer for a shift of your choice, register here or contact Dustin Herrmann at 920-202-3698 or dherrmann@feedingamericawi.org.
There are 16 RSVP programs in Wisconsin. RSVP is one of three programs under AmeriCorps Seniors. The other two are Foster Grandparents and Senior Companions.
Unleash your creative skills at Kimberly library

Bring your crafts and enjoy fun and fellowship from 12:30-2 p.m. on Mondays at the Kimberly Public Library, 625 Grand Ave., Kimberly.

For more information, contact Alice Peters at 920-734-7052.
Sew blankets for race participants 

Help prepare fleece blankets for participants of this fall’s Ascension 5K Run/Walk of the Community First Fox Cities Marathon presented by Miron Construction.

Volunteers are needed to sew the blanket panels together and cut the strips on each side of the blanket. A pattern and instructions will be provided.

These blankets will be available to participants of the 5K Run/Walk, who will tie the knots in memory of loved ones.

Finished blankets will be presented to patients receiving treatment at the St. Elizabeth Cancer Center.

For information on this volunteer opportunity that can be done at your home, contact Jan at 920-832-9360 or rsvp@volunteerfoxcities.org.
Hooks 'n Needles update

Thank you to Hooks 'n Needles volunteers, who have continued to knit and crochet hundreds of items for people in need in our community. In addition to hats, mittens and scarves that we are storing for The Salvation Army Coats for Kids campaign this fall, volunteers donated 401 items that we have distributed to Fox Valley Memory Project, Circles of Support, Knitted Knockers, Appleton Area School District Homeless Student Program, Community Clothes Closet, Heartland Home Health & Hospice, St. Paul Elder Services and ThedaCare Regional Cancer Center. Items include blankets, shawls, head bands, fidget mitts, socks, chemo hats, breast prostheses, lap robes and baby clothes and blankets. Wow! Our Hooks 'n Needles folks are awesome!

Note: The yarn that was available at Volunteer Fox Cities now is stored in the bins at First English Lutheran Church. Call the church at 920-733-2303 before stopping by to pick up yarn.
Volunteer Opportunities

Outagamie County’s supervised visit program helps families rebuild their relationship in a safe environment by supervising the visits of children in alternate care with their natural parent(s) at an agreed upon site (options include their home or a park). Volunteers can choose their schedule and the assignments. Average time commitment is 1-2 hours a week. Once assigned a case, the schedule is generally consistent. First-time volunteers will shadow veteran volunteers until they feel comfortable with the role. Contact Penny Jane at pennyjane.strauss@outagamie.org or 920-832-5515. 

Riverview Gardens: Seeking volunteers to start seeds, plant, harvest, weed and water vegetables and flowers. Schedule is flexible from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday - Friday. Must be able to keep clear records, comply with organic agricultural practices and work cooperatively with others. Physical tasks are bending, kneeling, lifting up to 35 lbs., standing and using hand tools. Fifteen-minute orientation is required. Email info@riverviewgardens.org or register at
www.riverviewgardens.org/volunteer-registration.

Fox Valley Literacy: Seeking volunteer tutors to work with adult students for about one hour a week getting their GED, learning English, and preparing to get American citizenship. Training and ongoing support provided – no teaching experience or foreign language is required! Learn more about other cultures and support education. For information, contact Paola at paola@foxvalleylit.org or 920-991-9840.

Pillars Adult Shelter: Seeking volunteers to serve meals for 55 adults in the shelter each day from 5-8 p.m. The meals will be provided. Volunteers aged 14 – 18 yrs. must be accompanied by a parent. This is a perfect opportunity to give back and get to know your neighbors in shelter and fellow volunteers. Contact Tony Schneider at 920-419-0928 or tschneider@pillarsinc.org for more information.
GRAB N GO MEAL SERVICE

Outagamie County Nutrition Program offers APPLETON GRAB N GO Meals for pickup by Outagamie County residents age 60 and older, regardless of income, on Wednesdays.

GRAB N GO Meal Service is available at Thompson Center on Lourdes, 2331 E. Lourdes Dr, Appleton. 

Eligible residents must call in their weekly meal order to 920-209-4175 by noon the Monday prior to the Wednesday pickup. All Outagamie County residents age 60 years and older may receive this meal service. Residents who have not received a meal since April 29, 2020, must register. Download a form here.  

For more information and to view July's schedule, click here.
Happy birthday to volunteers celebrating in July!
Cathy Glasheen – 7/1
Rose Jeske – 7/1
Gene Ver Voort – 7/3
Roy Stohlman – 7/4
Ida Fischer – 7/6
Sally Fieck – 7/7
Laurie Olson – 7/7
Jean Coenraad – 7/9
Roni Franz – 7/9
Delores Jacobson – 7/9
David Erickson – 7/10
Bonnie Ebbesen – 7/14
Dorothy Standaert – 7/14
Didi Karisny – 7/15
Richard Gallagher – 7/17
Berdella Bogard – 7/18
Kristin Gehrke – 7/18
Arthur Halmstad – 7/19
Diane Mandler – 7/21
James Swiecichowski – 7/21
Millie Wolfe – 7/21
Sue Appleton – 7/22
John Gilles – 7/22
Joanne Delforge – 7/24
Randy Lifke – 7/24
Charles Reetz – 7/24
Paul Baldridge – 7/25
Karl Held – 7/26
Mary Francis – 7/28
Mark Standaert – 7/28
Walter Kiefer – 7/31

Volunteer Fox Cities
2616 S.Oneida St. Suite 2
rsvp@volunteerfoxcities.org
Volunteerfoxcities.org

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