Norfolk County RSVP Holiday Drive Collects 5,000 Essential Items for Local Veterans

The Norfolk County Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) recently concluded its 6th Annual Holiday Drive for Veterans, collecting over 5,000 essential items—valued at nearly $10,000—to support veteran patients at local VA hospitals in West Roxbury, Jamaica Plain and Brockton. This initiative historically runs from Thanksgiving through the second week of January 2026.

Norfolk County Commissioner from Canton, Richard Staiti, representing his fellow Commissioners Joseph P. Shea of Quincy, and Peter Collins of Milton, accompanied staff to the West Roxbury VA hospital on January 13th. “Have you ever seen a return like this?” he asked. “Participating cities and towns were so generous with their giving this year. It’s a good day when you can help others. This is what County government is all about – boots on the ground, tangible assistance for local people in need - especially our veterans.”

Norfolk County recognizes the following programs who helped facilitate donations: Dedham American Legion; Dedham Council on Aging; Town of Canton; Medfield Council on Aging; Norfolk Senior Center; Walpole Senior Center; Sharon Council on Aging; the Knights of Columbus and St. Mary’s Church in Wrentham, and all community members who donated to this drive.

Peter Tribuna, Voluntary Service Specialists, VA Boston Healthcare System, said, “This is an exceptional donation. We really appreciated how Norfolk County went about this drive. They asked for a wish list of items patients need for activities of daily living, and they really delivered in an organized way. We can’t thank the communities in Norfolk County enough for their generosity. Our patients will really benefit from this contribution.”

About RSVP: RSVP is funded by the Norfolk County Commissioners and a federal grant from AmeriCorps Seniors. Its mission is to encourage and support community service and volunteerism at both the national and local levels. RSVP engages volunteers, ages 55 and older, with meaningful community support opportunities at carefully vetted municipal, nonprofit, and healthcare agencies throughout Norfolk County. Primary areas of service include elementary school classroom support, food security, veteran support services, and friendly visits and meals to homebound elders.

In 2024, approximately 175 RSVP volunteers contributed more than 15,000 hours of service to nonprofit organizations across 28 cities and towns in Norfolk County. RSVP Volunteers receive a variety of benefits, including mileage reimbursement, a volunteer recognition luncheon, and periodic gas or grocery gift cards. For more information, please visit norfolkcounty.org/rsvp, or call 781-329-5728. Follow RSVP on facebook.com/NorfolkCountyRSVP and linkedin.com/showcase/norfolkcountyrsvp.