Retirees have the gift of time to share, and senior adults report that regular community service work helps keep skills sharp. Statistics show that 6 out of 10 adults age 55 and older engage in some volunteer activity. Keith and Karen Roberts are grateful for the many mission opportunities offered through their United Methodist church.
Seven days a week, Keith Roberts and his sidekick Laylabell head out on patrol.
Keith Roberts: “So, I just decided I was going to pick up litter on the streets around my neighborhood.
I've gotten to know a lot of the neighbors as I go by their houses, that I will, in my mind, mention their names. It helps keep me active because I'm 80 years old.
Actually, I've picked up over 1 ,300 coats and jackets out on the school ground.”
Roberts spends the afternoon picking up donated furniture and delivering it to refugee families for a program through his United Methodist Church.
Keith Roberts: “I've been busier as a retiree than I actually was busy working.”
Keith’s wife Karen is also an active volunteer through projects with the couple’s Sunday school class.
Karen Roberts: “Part of the reason people aren't engaged in things is they're not aware of what's out there. Bart said, ‘How many of you would be interested in
going to Second Harvest and working for a couple of hours?’ Well, everybody's interested. Yeah, we have the time. I think you have to have someone who would say, ‘Would you like to do this? Let's get a group together.’"
Keith Roberts: I remember visiting a church in Kansas one time and as we were leaving the service that morning, I noticed a sign at the door that said, “You are now entering the mission field.” It's very heartwarming actually to know that our church, we are people working in mission.
Keith and Karen Roberts attend Belmont United Methodist Church in Nashville, Tennessee. To connect with volunteer opportunities in your community, contact your local United Methodist Church.
This video was produced by United Methodist Communications in Nashville, TN. Contact is Joe Iovino.
This video was first posted on October 22, 2024.
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