In the past year, 374 members of the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP) gave 24,000 hours of service to their friends and neighbors in Moore County. At an average estimated value of $15.39 an hour, that totals $365,000 in free services.
RSVP volunteers work in 45 agencies in the county.
“We don’t underestimate the value of volunteers,” County Commissioner David Cummings told the large group of volunteers at the annual recognition breakfast Monday. Cummings went on to note that in time of a budget crunch, the money that volunteers save taxpayers is important.
“You are all heroes,” Cummings told the 200 volunteers present. He said that since Sept. 11, there has been a lot of emphasis on heroes. He called the RSVP volunteers “everyday heroes” and urged them to “Keep on keeping on.”
Susan Holmes, RSVP director, and her administrative assistant, Liza Fontaine, presented awards for five and 10 years of service to volunteers.
The Joy Singers provided musical entertainment with spiritual, patriotic, humorous and sentimental favorites. Shirley Reardon, Carole Amlot, Carolyn Coons and Joan Bridgeman Smith also performed an “Ode to Volunteers” written for the occasion.
Holmes announced new programs that will require additional volunteers in the coming year. “Ridercise” is a therapeutic and recreational riding program for persons over 50. The goal of the program is to help participants maintain or regain health and wellness. It is a safe and fun exercise and educational program involving horses that can help to increase your muscle tone, strength, balance and flexibility.
FirstHealth Hospice is offering a training course March 18-20 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 daily. Preregistration is requested.
The Malcolm Blue Historic Farm and Museum is the newest RSVP station. Expanded hours at the museum will require additional volunteers.
Holmes reminded the group about the AARP Tax Aid program, which runs through April 15 at several sites in the county.
Details on these and other volunteer opportunities are available from Holmes or Fontaine at 947-6395.
