Brenda McCalister Afflick: September Volunteer of the Month

After retiring two years ago as a senior project manager for a cancer research organization, Brenda McCalister Afflick devoted more time to her volunteer work with AARP in Delaware County.

“My job was extremely busy, and I didn’t have a lot of time to volunteer until I reduced my work hours,” said Brenda, who has volunteered for eight years. “I was encouraged to volunteer by my long-time friend, Pam Ford, because she said she got so much out of AARP that we should be giving back. I agreed.”

Brenda, who is married and has two sons, lives an active life. She loves volunteering at Movies for Grownups, and events where AARP has a table, including the Senior Expo, flower show, and the Night Market in Center City, Philadelphia.

“I’m a very social person so I also volunteer on fraud issues and advocacy, talking to people about the importance of Medicare and Social Security, access to benefits, and informing others that they have a voice.”

She also enjoys working with Grace Rustia, assistant state director, who “is so positive about AARP and encourages her volunteers to brainstorm ideas.”

Brenda is as devoted to AARP as Grace.

“I like representing an organization that’s focused on ensuring the 50+ have access to information,” Brenda said. “It is so important.”

To learn more about volunteering with AARP Pennsylvania, visit aarp.org/iwant2volunteer.