National Aging Organization Tweets it Up In Town

Older adults in the northern suburbs have long enjoyed programs presented by OASIS, a national organization that promotes successful aging through lifelong learning, health programs and volunteer engagement.

And now you can make a difference in 140 characters or less.

On July 26, the Twitterverse will have a chance to vote for their favorite health-related charity through Sam's Club "Giving Made Simple" fundraiser. The North Shore Senior Center (NSSC) hopes to benefit through OASIS, this year’s charity for adults over 50. Each tweet will raise the organization $5.

Earlier:

“We’re really gearing up our volunteers and their networks and anyone that can open a twitter account to do it,” said Mary Wilson, the national manager of marketing and communications at the OASIS Institute in St. Louis, Missouri. “We have the ability to raise $50,000 on that day alone.”

OASIS and NSSC Partnership

Giving Made Simple started July 5 and has already had one Twitter-orientated day. OASIS received 3,307 twitter votes, raising over $16,000 that day for their programs. OASIS and four other charities that are only identified by their causes on the Sam’s Club website will be collecting votes until August 1.

OASIS has been a part of the North Shore since 1992, when it opened its Chicago office. Now the Institute runs programs for adult health education and wellness through the .

“OASIS looked for local partners that had the same mission in promoting supporting adults and enriching lives. We’re here to collaborate and support them as an organization,” NSSC Executive Director Jordan Luhr said. The NSSC serves as the administrative sponsor for the local OASIS, providing human resources, accounting, and financial support.

“We’ve distributed flyers, bookmarks and the press release to raise awareness about OASIS’s involvement in the fundraiser,” Luhr said. “We have a computer learning center here staffed by volunteers to help older adults use technology,” he said in regards to the Twitter vote.

A New Home at Glencoe Park District

This September, OASIS will be even closer to North Shore residents as they make their new satellite home at the Glencoe Park District. Classes that were originally held at Northbrook Court will now be held at the Takiff Center.

“We offer traditional classes like yoga and tai chi all geared for adults 50 and older. These classes are not something a 20-year-old would do. They’re manageable so older adults can continue their strength and flexibility,” Wilson said.

To vote for OASIS, use your Twitter account to tweet @samsclub with the hashtag #adultwellness. You can tweet up to 20 times on one account. Sam’s Club members can also vote daily here.