By Chelsea Vance | The Selma Times-Journal

Senior men and women of the 3352 Chapter of American Association of Retired Persons held their annual Christmas luncheon on Tuesday. They gathered at the Dallas County Family Resource Center with fellowship, games, food and service.

President of the chapter and RSVP Volunteer Coordinator of Selma and Dallas County Evelyn Cox spearheaded the event. She said her duty is to get senior citizens who are 55 and older to get involved in the community.

“What we do is have seniors who are retired who have so many different talents. They are viable. They can still give back to the community and want something to do on their own time,” said Cox who looks to community service as a pillar of the chapter.

“The members select their own hours and sites and decide what it is that they want to do. Volunteering is given, expecting nothing in return,” Cox said.

The members strived to meet a unified goal of service this year by bringing crossword puzzle books to be given as gifts to homeless veteran shelters in Tuskegee.

Frances Woods-Fells, a recent honoree of the Golden Bridge Builders Award, said that she feels very good about donating for the service event and being a member of AARP.

Fells is 95 years old and said that she feels that it is important to give back.

“The Lord blesses us for us to bless others,” said Fells, who believes being a member of the 3352 Chapter of AARP gives her an opportunity to associate with her peers.

Joe Thomas understands the importance and impact of giving back to veterans, since he himself is one.

Thomas, 78, has been a member of AARP for about 15 years and said that he can appreciate the service project that the chapter is currently doing.

Thomas knows first-hand how crossword puzzles can help stimulate the mind and be helpful. He said that he anticipates the fun that he will have in upcoming events the chapter will host in Spring 2016.

Cox says that anyone who is interested in joining the 3352 Chapter of AARP must be at least 55 years of age and must first seek national membership.

Cox said that the membership fee is $3 dollars a year.

She said the group takes annual trips and donates to food banks yearly, among many other activities.

Cox and other members believe in their motto, “To serve and not be served” and do their best to live by it through the chapter.

If you are interested in more information on joining the chapter, contact Cox at 334-375-3370 of 334-875-4348.