At 93 years old, Carlene Pearce remains a very active 29-year volunteer with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Central Oklahoma, a United Way of Central Oklahoma partner. Through RSVP, she volunteers her time with the American Red Cross sewing group and since March, has stitched more than 350 face masks that are distributed in the community to help with COVID-19 safety.
As part of her sewing group, Carlene says she sews 3-6 hours a day, taking at least one day off to tend to her own projects. During the pandemic, she and her group, which typically meets on Thursdays, are working strictly from home. She is currently making masks, but also does a lot of sewing for Veteran’s groups making tote bags, pillows, lap throws, and eyeglass cases.
“I’ve been sewing since I was 14 years old. My grandma taught me how and I love any kind of handcraft. I have to have some sewing project in my hand,” she said.
In the nearly three decades with RSVP of Central Oklahoma, she’s volunteered with the Midwest City Police Department, OU Children’s Hospital, the Hugs Project, and Veteran’s Hospital. She’s logged more than 15,000 hours as a volunteer.
“Volunteering keeps me busy and I know that if it is helping someone else, it brings me joy and a sense of ease,” Carlene said.
Since 1973, RSVP of Central Oklahoma has helped senior adults continue to live with purpose and meaning by connecting them with rewarding community volunteer opportunities, including RSVP’s Provide-A-Ride Senior Transportation Program. RSVP is a partner of Senior Corps and the United Way of Central Oklahoma. To learn more about becoming a volunteer, call Laura McPheeters at 405.605.3110 or visit rsvpokc.org. You can also follow RSVP on Facebook at facebook.com/RSVPokc.
