Michael Culpepper: January 2009 Archives

RSVP of Galveston County is a volunteer organization in the truest sense.  This group helps people 55 and over find volunteer positions throughout the area.  RSVP supplies needed volunteer hours to schools, non-profits, hospitals, and faith-based locations.  Some of the names you might recognize are:

- Galveston Seafarers Center
- The Ronald McDonald House
- Our Daily Bread
- Meals on Wheels
- Hospices

RSVP was negatively affected by hurricane ike with respect to number of volunteers involved.  If you would like to volunteer or recieve more information please contact Ritchie Adoue at raadoue@utmb.edu or call her at 409-772-5361.

Although RSVP is for volunteers 55 and older, they can also help younger people find a volunteer program that is right for them.

After the event that happened in our little area of the earth last september, I was pleasantly surprised at the number of people asking the same question.  "How can I help?" was asked of me by friends, relatives, and acquaintances near and far.  After giving them my bank account and routing number, I started thinking about the local organizations and charities that not only got physically hurt by the storm but also suffered collateral damage as their supporters were hurt by time and financial strains as well.  So I've decided to make a list of local organizations that could use your support in either time or monetary donations. 

I'm not going to include national charities like the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army.  It's not that these organizations don't deserve our support and thanks (they most certainly do).  The truth of it is that these large organizations have a much bigger "hat" than our local ones do.  So without further adieu:

The Seafarers Center of Galveston provides a sanctuary exclusively for mariners.  Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual support are provided to seamen of all origins, races, and religious backgrounds.

The Seafarers Center has been a part of Galveston for many years and with our growing port, we have a growing need for this support center.

Physical support ranges from leisure activities such as pool, music, and a place to relax to a commissary to buy needed supplies such as soap and batteries, to informational resources like televisions, internet, and telephones.

Emotional and Spiritual support are often needed by seamen who have been on the water for months at a time.  Karen Parsons, the chaplain at the Seafarers Center, along with staff members Wendy Majewski and Melissa Clarke, do their very best to make all visitors feel some of the welcome comforts of home.

Hurricane Ike severely damaged the center located at 221 20th St. in downtown Galveston.  The center is in the process of rebuilding both the structure and reestablishing the services and amenities that they provide.

If you are interested in helping, please contact Wendy Majewski or Melissa Clarke at seafarerscenter@yahoo.com

Do you know of any other local organizations or charities that could use our help?  Please let us know!