DECORAH, IOWA ~ Some people spend their retirement slowing down. Others discover that having a little more time on their hands means having a whole lot more love to give.
And across Northeast Iowa, hundreds of volunteers have been proving just how much difference that time can make!
Northeast Iowa RSVP is celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2026, marking a quarter~century of bringing people together through service, friendship, and a willingness to lend a helping hand.
Established in 2001 and sponsored by Decorah Public Library through AmeriCorps Seniors, the program connects adults age 55 and older with organizations and neighbors who can benefit from their experience, talents, and generosity.
Today, according to the program’s anniversary announcement, more than 630 volunteers are connected with over 80 community partner organizations throughout Northeast Iowa.
And the amount of good they’re doing is remarkable!
During the 2025~2026 reporting period, RSVP volunteers contributed more than 44,000 hours of service, helping meet needs that range from putting food on family tables to assisting with tax preparation and supporting local schools.
But one of the sweetest examples of their work comes through something that seems almost old~fashioned these days.
A handwritten letter.
Through RSVP’s pen~pal program, volunteers exchange letters with more than 350 third-grade students at nine area schools.
Imagine a child opening an envelope and discovering that someone took the time to sit down, write a letter, ask about their day, and share a little piece of their own life.
And imagine the joy of an older volunteer receiving a letter back, filled with a child’s questions, adventures, and perhaps a few unexpected observations!
It’s more than practicing handwriting or learning how to address an envelope.
It’s two generations discovering that friendship doesn’t have an age limit.
At the end of the school year, the pen pals have an opportunity to meet in person, turning names on paper into familiar faces and memories worth keeping.
Elsewhere throughout Northeast Iowa, RSVP volunteers help stock food pantries, assist qualifying residents with tax preparation, support community organizations, and offer their time wherever it’s needed.
The program serves communities throughout Allamakee, Winneshiek, Howard, Chickasaw, Clayton, and northern Fayette counties.
And this anniversary isn’t just about looking back.
It’s about celebrating the people who keep showing up, often without expecting recognition, simply because someone could use a helping hand.
Come Celebrate 25 Years of Kindness!
The public is invited to two upcoming anniversary open houses:
WAUKON ~ Wednesday, October 28, 2026
- 1 p.m.
- White Haus Social
DECORAH ~ Thursday, October 29, 2026
- 1 p.m.
- Community Building
A third anniversary celebration was scheduled for October 21 in Cresco.
These gatherings offer an opportunity to meet volunteers, celebrate their accomplishments, and learn more about the many ways RSVP continues making a difference.
For information about Northeast Iowa RSVP, its anniversary celebrations, or volunteer opportunities:
Website: decorahlibrary.org/rsvp
Phone: 563-277-5180
Email: rsvp2@decorahlibrary.org
Twenty-five years. Thousands upon thousands of hours. Countless acts of kindness.
And perhaps the most beautiful part of it all?
Somewhere in Northeast Iowa, a child may be waiting for a letter, a family may be receiving groceries, or a neighbor may be finding a reason to smile~all because somebody decided their time was worth sharing.
Because sometimes the greatest gift we can give someone doesn’t come wrapped in paper or tied with a bow.
Sometimes, it’s simply showing up. ❤️
And after 25 years, these Northeast Iowa volunteers have certainly shown us what that means!
Word ’Round Town ~ Sharing the good happening in our communities.
Deliverance Hope ~ word-round-town.com
Keep Goin’ ‘Round Town
There’s always another story waiting just around the corner.