Thanks to Zak’s Auto Service for their support.
This is part three of our three-part series on the Thompson Park Activity Center.
Every month older adults gather at the Thompson Park Activity Center (TPAC) to do some good. It’s part of the Umbrella Project, a gathering of volunteers that works like an opportunity hub.
“It’s a social place for a lot of people that maybe have recently retired and they’ve got extra time and want to do something to connect with others and do some good,” said Julie Weisbecker, one of the group’s facilitators.
When & where: The Umbrella Project meets on the second Monday of each month from 10-11:30 a.m. at TPAC.
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How the Umbrella Project Works
The Umbrella Project is a volunteer hub. Some projects the group takes on and does together, like mats for the homeless or the TPAC lending library. Other projects include creating period product kits for girls, supply drives, Wish of a Lifetime projects that grant wishes to older adults, delivering flowers to nursing homes on Valentine’s Day, crafting for a cause where they make cards to be delivered with Meals on Wheels, and much more. But they also share volunteer opportunities from other organizations. Umbrella Project members can take part in whatever activities interest them.
- “Some people do it individually, some people go as a group and volunteer together,” said TPAC Older Adult Coordinator Brenda Myran. “It’s really about sharing that information, helping make connections, and getting something set up.”
- “The beauty of it is people can come to the meeting and hear what’s being done and you can participate in several or not,” Weisbecker said.
Most meetings include some kind of collection drive, whether they’re collecting food, winter clothing, or personal items.
Why They Do It
So why are older adults getting together to volunteer?
“There’s just a sense of satisfaction that hopefully we’ve made a small impact in some way in someone’s life,” Weisbecker said.
Like many of the other TPAC activities, there’s also a social element:
- Common purpose: “I’m assuming people come back because of the social aspect of being part of a group that is doing something worthwhile,” Weisbecker said. “Some people have developed friendships through meeting other people with a common purpose.”
- Friendships: “If I really needed to expand friendships, this would be a great place to do that,” Weisbecker said. “I’ve met some really wonderful people that I otherwise would not.”
- Good is a bonus: “They really are looking for connections and for something to do,” Weisbecker said. “Doing good for others is a bonus,”
Do Something Good
With a simple mission statement of “making a difference through service,” the Umbrella Project is making that difference through both community service and community connections.
“I figure we’re not in this world for a long time,” Weisbecker said. “So in the scheme of things, try to make a small dent and do something good.”
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