Their name says it all: Giving it Forward Together (GIFT) was founded in 2015 with the goal of fostering intergenerational volunteerism and connection that bridges the gap among older adults, university students, and the wider Pittsburgh community.
They accomplish this through programs and events that enhance both students’ educational experiences and the wellbeing of seniors—thereby fostering empathy, a sense of purpose and better quality of life for all. GIFT impacts nearly 1,065 seniors and 765 youth annually.
“I’m proud of what GIFT has been able to do through the lives we have touched and people we have served,” comments Founder and Executive Director Rochel Tombosky. “GIFT is completely grassroots, with 95 percent of all donations literally going right back into our programs.”
Especially popular and welcomed is their annual Holiday Kit program, which caters to homebound seniors during the Thanksgiving, Passover and winter holiday season. Seniors and university students come together at various locations around town to assemble kits that include a nutritious catered meal along with simple gifts of useful items such as blankets, thermal socks, back scratchers, sturdy shopping bags and adult coloring books.
“There is no economic status that you need to have to be a recipient,” Rochel explains. “It’s just a feel-good, wellbeing gift that many individuals don’t even know they need in their lives. We’ve found that for many, it’s not just a lifeline to combat food insecurity, it’s also a joy line for those who are feeling lonely and isolated. When a Holiday Kit is delivered to their homes, they feel like the community has recognized them and it positively affects their mental health and wellbeing.”
GIFT’s ongoing Senior2Senior (S2S) program also pairs seniors and students from CCAC, University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University and Chatham University, who meet weekly at four locations around the Pittsburgh area for 60-minute sessions over the eight-month school year. (Check website at end of article for a schedule and locations.) Together, they work on simple tasks that support specifically designated local nonprofits, such as organizing first aid kits or assembling snacks from food banks for community programs.
“What makes Senior2Senior unique is that not only do older adults have a reason to get together with seniors their own age, but it’s also an opportunity to break the generational gap by doing something meaningful alongside university students who are looking to complete service hours towards their academic degrees,” Rochelle says. “We have found it to be a magical match that impacts participants in extremely meaningful ways, some for the rest of their lives.
“GIFT student volunteers learn life lessons from the challenges and triumphs of the wiser and older volunteers, while older adults learn about the younger generation and all they have to offer. The impact is immense.”
To learn more about ongoing programs, upcoming services and sponsorship opportunities, visit giftpgh.org.