RSVP Mid-Month Blast Escambia County January 2023

National Day of Service Project Martin Luther King Jr. Day

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, RSVP in Escambia County will be collecting gently-used suitcases and new blankets for Currie House, an affiliate of Lutheran Services Florida. These items will be distributed to children in the foster care system. The gently-used suitcases will ensure children avoid transporting their belongings in large trash bags. The new blankets can be used to create a "safe space" no matter where a child lays his or her head each night.

Rather than traditional nylon fleece, the staff at Currie House have requested the blankets be washable with a super-soft nap or Sherpa fleece. These types of blankets create a tactile experience comforting to children. A donation box is set up in the lobby of the United Way of West Florida at 1301 W. Government Street in Pensacola. Please drop items off during regular business hours between January 17 to 31.

Thank you for supporting children in foster care with new blankets and gently-used suitcases. Contact Janet McCoy, RSVP Manager, for more information.

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RSVP Lunch and Learn Wednesday, January 25 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 3030 North E Street Pensacola, FL 32501

Manna Food Bank is hosting the Lunch and Learn event at their facility in January. Members and guests are encouraged to attend even if they think they know what Manna does in our community. See how Manna is changing! Manna has been around for nearly 40 years. They are a local, grassroots organization dedicated to fighting hunger in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Like so many non-profit agencies, however, some operational procedures have changed since the pandemic. At this event, participants will tour the facility. They will also learn about local food insecurity and Manna's pantry service and programs to support our neighbors in need. Services are provided with no national affiliations, no government funds, and no cost to those served. Manna partners with Escambia RSVP and is a volunteer station where AmeriCorps Senior members can serve.

Register for Lunch and Learn

Poverty Simulation at University of West Florida Saturday, February 4 at 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. UWF Commons Auditorium, Building 22 Do you want to be inspired about why your volunteer service makes a difference in our community and the world? Consider attending this interactive workshop where you step into real-life situations grounded in the harsh realities of poverty. This experience is profoundly moving and helps break down stereotypes about those living in poverty. Contact Dr. Patricia Barrington with questions and to register.

Register for Spring Classes Now! Leisure Learning at the University of West Florida provides stimulating programs for seasoned adults ages 55+ who are interested in joining a spirited community of intellectual contemporaries and lifelong learners. Their low-cost spring classes run January 23 through April 28. Classes can be a single session or a weekly series. Check out their catalog to see the exciting lectures, tours and hand-on activities being offered this term.

Name the Shark! VOTE! KIA has donated a car that will be given to one individual who contributes $300 or more to the United Way of West Florida during the current fiscal year. A shark mascot is promoting this oppor-tunity but she/he needs a name. The five options include Fincent, Wavez, Sandy, Pearl and Sammy. You can vote on the UWWF Facebook page.

Please ask friends and family to vote too but share the original link with them. Our marketing team will not be able to see like, love, laugh and other reactions posted on your personal Facebook page.