AARP AZ Volunteers Embrace Unique Events, Commitment to Public Service

It’s just a couple of hours every few months.

That’s Eileen Kendig’s message when she explains why she volunteers with AARP Arizona to her friends. The Arizona resident originally from New York started as just an AARP member. Her mom convinced her to sign up. She held her membership for more than 15 years before becoming a volunteer.

“I became active as a state volunteer and get to travel all over—it's been wonderful. I meet new people, [experience] new activities, plus I get to give away a few free things every time,” Kendig said.

AARP is known for advocating for the rights of older people. The Arizona chapter has branches in Tucson, Prescott and Phoenix, advocating for key causes like transportation and housing for seniors. However, according to Kendig, a more enticing branch of AARP Arizona is volunteering at fun events.

Kendig most recently volunteered for the AARP Arizona Pickleball Clinic. The free event was the latest stop on AARP’s nationwide tour to give members the chance to experience the popular sport.

Kendig hopes participating in exciting events like these will encourage members to become more involved with AARP. Events like these also encouraged James Holmes to volunteer with AARP Arizona.

Holmes experienced his call to service when he was at a bike clinic event hosted by AARP Arizona.

“It was really interesting, and they said they needed volunteers, so we volunteered,” Holmes said. “It has been a lot of fun doing different advanced remedies.”

Holmes is originally from New Haven, Connecticut, but has been in Arizona since 1987. Before becoming a volunteer, Holmes served 21 years in the Air Force. He continued his public service work as a mail carrier for another 20 years.

After retirement, Holmes wanted to continue to give back to his community. Holmes ended up volunteering with AARP Arizona.

“If you like your community and you want to give back, it's a good way to give back,” Holmes said.

Eileen Kendig, a retired public health nurse, said public service also inspired her to volunteer with AARP Arizona. She continues to incorporate her health background into everything she does with AARP.

“Actually, because I have a health background, those were the original places that I gravitated to, because I knew the areas. I knew the type of help that people needed,” she said.

AARP Arizona and AARP overall are large organizations hosting events nationwide, online and even here in Arizona. Explore and get involved with all of AARP Arizona's upcoming events.

The organization is always looking for more volunteers to join their team.

As Kendig said, “People should try it, and if it doesn't become a good fit, it's nothing harmful to say thank you for the time and do something else. But absolutely, I think it's great.”

Sign up to become an AARP State Volunteer