Volunteers with AmeriCorps Seniors ventured Saturday to the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and spent the day pulling 1,900 pounds of trash out of the Current River during the program’s 13th annual River Clean-Up.
The River Clean-Up is held every year around 9/11 not only in recognition of those who were lost in the 2001 terrorist attacks but also in support of the spirit of unity that was felt during that time when everyone came together to help one another, according to organizers.
“We had a refrigerator and a full-size freezer so that was the bulk of it, but we also collected 12 tires,” said Jennifer Rosener, AmeriCorps Seniors program director. “I would like to think the refrigerator and freezer were remnants from the flood. But there is always a lot to be cleaned up every year.”
“We had a lot of help. Mossy Oak Properties Mozark Realty was our sponsor. They donated money for us to buy the food, pay for the advertising and everything that we do,” said Rosener.
The service project was fulfilled Saturday by 81 volunteers eager to take part in the clean-up of the area.
“It is really unfortunate that people don’t respect the outdoors and our scenic areas more,” said Rosener.
“AmeriCorps Seniors is the largest volunteer organization in the United States for adults that are 55 and older,” explained Rosener. “This is our 9/11 service project, which means we can call volunteers of all ages to come in and serve alongside us.”
AmeriCorps Seniors have three main focus areas, she said.
“Financial literacy, (for) which we do a tax clinic in February until the middle of April. We provide tax services for people who are seniors, low income or disabled and that’s federal, state and property tax. We use volunteers to do that, which is completely free of charge,” stated Rosener.
Another issue that the program assists with is food insecurity.
“Senior Food Box Day we help distribute boxes to places like the Bread Shed, Northside Nutrition and we’re also starting to get more involved in Carter County,” she said.
Another area that the program assists with is health.
Tuesday, Sept. 27, the AmeriCorps Seniors will hold a free health fair for people 50 and older. According to Rosener, the health fair will be held at the Northside Nutrition Center. There will be home health care agencies, Eastside Pharmacy and as many as 50 vendors at the upcoming event.
For anyone interested in future volunteer opportunities contact Jennifer Rosener at 573-686-8624 or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BCRSVP.