Through RSVP, corporations support the community
RSVP organizes more than 1,200 volunteers to make life better for vulnerable seniors, students, veterans as well as other nonprofits. It receives support from an array of foundations and agencies and more than 500 individual donors. And a surprisingly large cadre of 146 corporate partners provides the organization with not only funding but also volunteers and leadership.
“We are part of the community’s fabric, linking volunteers with those who need their services. We’re a great match for corporations who want to give back to the community they serve,” said Michele Moll, RSVP’s executive director.
Numerous opportunities
When Peoples Security Bank & Trust established a regional office in King of Prussia, it sought involvement with “a local philanthropic organization that impacted the lives and welfare of community residents,” said Senior Vice President Ian Matlack, who heads the office.
Peoples Security became an RSVP sponsor in 2018.
“We were impressed with the many benefits associated with a sponsorship,” Matlack said, “and we were equally impressed with the numerous opportunities to get involved with RSVP as committed volunteers, due to the organization’s wide range of programs.”
Partnership benefits can include recognition in publications and social media, event marketing, cobranding and employee volunteer engagement.
The opportunity for employees to volunteer in the community has attracted many RSVP partners. After linking up with RSVP, Peoples Security took the lead in a book drive that benefited Norristown Head Start preschoolers. Matlack joined RSVP’s Volunteer Executive Consultants, who advise nonprofits in business essentials such as planning and fundraising. And Matlack also joined the RSVP board of directors, where he served as interim vice president.
“If you’re seeking a community-oriented partner with deep roots, a moving mission that is illustrated in its expansive programs, and tangible results that have positively affected members of the community from impressionable children to senior citizens, look no further than RSVP,” Matlack said.
Volunteering with Impact
Window replacement specialist Renewal by Andersen has adopted RSVP through its Window of Giving program. The company provides financial support and serves as title sponsor for RSVP’s Golf Classic fundraiser, which will be held this year on July 19 at RiverCrest Golf Club in Phoenixville. The tournament provides companies with a variety of sponsorship opportunities.
“We’re looking for ways we can help RSVP, even opportunities to do some onetime volunteering that impact the community we work and live in,” said Kristin Gardner, Renewal by Andersen’s general manager for Greater Philadelphia.
When the pandemic shut down RSVP’s annual volunteer recognition luncheon last year, Gardner provided staff and swag for drivethrough volunteer appreciation events in Delaware and Montgomery Counties.
“It was very fulfilling to see all the volunteers come by,” said Steve Mermelstein, a senior project consultant for Renewal by Andersen who handed out goodie bags at the appreciation drive-through. “It was inspiring that they give their time to do so much good for youth and underserved populations through tutoring, delivering meals, all sorts of great programs. It surprised me.”
For major sponsors, RSVP will design volunteer engagement projects such as creating care packages for cancer patients, writing thank you notes to veterans and holding gently used sports equipment drives. Prior to the pandemic, Renewal by Andersen employees have read to and wrapped books for Head Start kids.
Support good works
Johnson & Johnson’s 130-year-old corporate credo exhorts employees to “be good citizens — support good works and charities, better health and education.” The company maintains an extensive volunteer portal. There, senior manager Gita Srinivasan spotted an opportunity to join RSVP’s board of directors.
“I used to be on the board of a nonprofit in Boston,” she said. “I enjoy strategy and road-mapping. Since I was invited to join the board, it’s been an awesome experience. I’m blown away by the number of areas RSVP is involved in.”
Srinivasan has spearheaded efforts to let more people know about the organization’s programs and to attract new volunteers. And she’s working on ways to help volunteers, particularly seniors, reengage after lying low during the pandemic.
At Johnson & Johnson, Srinivasan has attracted volunteers to Vello, a virtual RSVP-United Way elementary reading coach program.
Through another RSVP program, Julian Mathis, a J&J finance manager, began mentoring a third-grader in December, though COVID put that activity on hold.
“It’s a great opportunity learn what’s going on at that age and to share things you’ve been able to learn,” he said.
Mathis said he hopes to resume volunteering later this year.
Linda Mueller, a retired Johnson & Johnson employee, has been an RSVP volunteer for 13 years. Most recently, she has been tutoring first-graders at the Cole Manor Elementary School in Norristown.
“Volunteering with RSVP has been both easy and rewarding,” she said. “I love helping students reach their
potential. RSVP is a very professional organization that strives to help the community in every way possible. The staff has been very supportive.”
Feeling connected
The remnants of Hurricane Ida last September spawned tornadoes and flooding that left hundreds of area residents living in hotels for weeks. Often unable to cook there, they received meals from Dignity Kitchen of Norristown, an enterprise of the YWCA Tri-County Area. The Y asked RSVP to provide volunteers to pack the meals, and RSVP turned to corporate sponsor Citadel Credit Union for help.
“It really makes you appreciate what others are going through,” said Edita Bailey, the market manager for Citadel’s Harleysville and Lansdale offices. “What Dignity Kitchen does is amazing. It makes you feel connected to the community to be a little part of that. Insurance settlements take so long, and their houses were unlivable.”
Bailey said Citadel sponsors and volunteers through RSVP because “our purpose is to build a brighter future for our members and community. So we’re proud to support organizations like RSVP that have an impact in Montgomery County and enhance the local quality of life.”
“It was a great experience,” said Jessica DiDonato, market manager for Citadel’s East and West Norriton offices. “They were very appreciative. We look for opportunities to give back to the communities where we operate and allot specific hours for employees to volunteer. Our philosophy is people helping people, especially within our own communities.”
To explore volunteer opportunities that fit your interests and schedule, visit rsvpmc.org or call 610-8341040 ext.123. For information on corporate partnerships, contact RSVP’s development manager, Lydia Messinger, lydiam@rsvpmc.org, 610-834-1040, ext. 124. For information on volunteering, visit rsvpmc. org, email volunteer123@ rsvpmc.org or call 610-8341040, ext. 123.