Page 47 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2026 - Online Magazine
P. 47

This ad is funded by Friends of FOUND.                                OPPORTUNITY
                                                                       TO Serve


            FOUND:







         A Place to Serve, A Place to Belong


        by Shea Politte

 DONATE FUNDS, DONATE ITEMS, VOLUNTEER                         organize resources, and ensure that when a need arises, it
                                                               can be met quickly.

                                                               These acts may seem simple, but their impact is
 What is FOUND?                                                profound. A child receives shoes. A student is given
                                                               supplies. A young person walks into school feeling seen
                                                               and prepared.
 Over the last ten years, FOUND has created, operated and continually improved upon our FUEL IN THE
 SCHOOL model. This model is designed to meet the most basic needs of school children who often go   And behind that moment is someone who chose to give
                                                               their time.
 without food, proper clothing, hygiene items, and school supplies. These kids live right here in our
 community, often only a few blocks from us. We do this work by inviting the community in to help us   For many senior volunteers, this work becomes more
 meet the needs of the student where they are - in school.     than just service—it becomes connection. It’s a place
          Core volunteers ready to serve!                      to stay active, to build relationships, and to be part
 HEAR A NEED. RALLY THE COMMUNITY. MEET THE NEED.              of something meaningful. It’s a reminder that your
         A      t every stage of life, there is a deep desire to know   incredible value.
                                                               time, your presence, and your life experience still have
                that what we do matters.
 Drop your donations in our BIG green BRANDED buildings around town.  Because they do.
         At FOUND, that truth is lived out every single day.
                                                               FOUND is built on a simple idea: when a need is seen, it
         What began with one woman noticing a need in her      can be met—if a community will come together.
         child’s school has grown into a mission serving over one   And you are invited to be part of that.
         hundred campuses across our community—meeting
         real, everyday needs for students with care, dignity, and   If you’ve been looking for a way to give back, to stay
         urgency. But what makes this mission truly special is not   engaged, or to step into something that brings purpose
         just the donations.                                   to your time, this is an opportunity to do just that. Your

         It’s who shows up.

         And so often, it’s those who have lived the most life.

         Senior volunteers are a vital part of this mission.

         They bring wisdom, steadiness, and a perspective that
         only years of experience can shape. They understand
         the value of showing up, of being present, and of giving
         without needing recognition.
         They know that purpose doesn’t end with age—it
         deepens.
                                                               Debbie Bebee and Carolyn Acres pack snack bags for
         At FOUND, there are countless ways to serve.          students who arrive at school hungry—often their first food
                                                               since the day before. A small act with a life-changing impact.
         Volunteers help sort donations, prepare supply kits,


 www.theFOUNDmission.com                                                                     Lubbock Senior Link   47
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