NEW EMMET COUNTY RSVP COORDINATOR DRIVEN BY PASSION FOR VOLUNTEERING

(Estherville, Iowa) The Northwest Iowa RSVP program has hired Megan Spurgin as the new Emmet County RSVP Coordinator starting in April 2022 on the Estherville Campus of Iowa Lakes Community College.

Spurgin moved to Estherville in October of 2020, where she has been getting to know her community through partnerships in her work with Iowa State Extension and Outreach. She has enjoyed volunteering at local community events such as Sweet Corn Days and the 4th of July Flight Breakfast.

“I am excited about the opportunity to be the Emmet County RSVP Coordinator. Volunteer work has always been a passion of mine, and I am eager to learn more about our local communities and their needs and see where we can make the most impact. I look forward to continuing the great collaborations that have already been established and hope to encourage new ideas through our volunteers’ varying interests,” shared Spurgin.

She brings a long history of volunteer experience to her position, including involvement with Relay for Life, Big Brothers Big Sisters, hospice, the Iowa City Crisis Center, and local food pantries. During the last year, Spurgin has added volunteer roles as a co-leader for her church’s youth group and as a member of the Emmet County Community Foundation and Estherville Noon Kiwanis group.

“Megan brings rich experience and training in volunteer efforts and working with those aged 55 and over,” explained Dawn Bernhard, Northwest Iowa RSVP Director. “Her enthusiasm and compassion for people and the community, combined with her commitment to volunteer service, fit perfectly with the RSVP missions and her new role as Emmet County RSVP Coordinator.”

Spurgin will launch her position with RSVP by handling a happy and uplifting event, the Pen Pal Finale for Mrs. Jennifer Gesche’s fourth-grade class at Estherville Lincoln Central’s Demoney Elementary School, as one of her first tasks in Emmet County. RSVP volunteers and the student pen pals will meet on the Estherville Campus of Iowa Lakes Community College.

RSVP is a national AmeriCorps Seniors program that matches volunteers with service opportunities to meet community needs. Although RSVP volunteers must be 55 or older, they serve people of all ages. RSVP has been sponsored in Northwest Iowa by Iowa Lakes Community College since 1977.

AmeriCorps brings people together to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges through national service and volunteering. AmeriCorps Senior volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to improving communities and helping make service to others a cornerstone of national culture.

To learn more about RSVP volunteer opportunities in Emmet County, contact Spurgin at 712.362.2979 or mspurgin@iowalakes.educreate new email.

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