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National Peace Corps Association > News > Polyglot > Every Day is Service Day
Every Day is Service Day
By Susan Stine on Monday, September 26th, 2011
Beverly Ausfahl (left) and Barbara Jacobson show off a Service Day T-shirt
Service Day 2011, held on Friday September 23rd, had such a high response that there were not enough spots for everyone to volunteer! Nonetheless, all participants were able to pick-up their National Peace Corps Association (NPCA) Service Day T-shirts and ice cream coupons courtesy of Ben and Jerry’s. Many Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) pledged to send NPCA pictures of them wearing their T-shirts while volunteering in their own community. Another great idea on how to use the Service Day T-shirts was provided by cousins Beverly Ausfahl and Barbara Jacobson.
The pair stopped by the NPCA office after spending a week in Washington, DC celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps. Beverly (Turkey 13, 1966-68) traveled across the country from Denver, Colorado to attend both NPCA events and the numerous Turkey reunions. A reception at the Turkish Embassy and an Arkadaslar-hosted speaking event were both well attended by RPCVs according to Beverly. Barbara, Beverly’s cousin from Northern California, also partook in the celebrations.
Although not an RPVC, Barbara exemplifies the spirit of the Peace Corps. While at our office Barbara noticed the remaining T-shirts from Service Day and asked if she could donate some to her local chapter of the Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc. The organization, commonly called the Blue Star Moms, was established in 1942 by a group of mothers whose sons were serving overseas during WWII. Together the mothers volunteered their time in veterans hospitals and sent care packages to the troops overseas. Today, the Blue Star Moms continue to support the members of the Armed Forces and there are local chapters across the country. Care packages remain a central project in many chapters and the T-shirts Barbara picked-up will be sent overseas along with other popular items such as hand warmers and fingerless gloves.
If you would like to learn more about the Blue Star Moms or find a local chapter, please visit http://www.bluestarmothers.org/.
