RSVP/HandsOn West Central Ohio
Retired & Senior Volunteer Program
Honoring Local RSVP Volunteers 

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) celebrated National Volunteer Week with recognition events in each of the service areas that honored all our wonderful volunteers. This past week was about inspiring, recognizing and also challenging people to find creative ways give their time and talents to non-profits in the community and to help with social change. 

During the Recognition Event which was held at Oakland Church of the Brethren, RSVP celebrated with awards in some new and different categories:  New Volunteer of the Year went to Wanda Derr which works with Warm Up America, Longest RSVP Service went to Phyllis Miller for 22 years of service, and Multi-Talented Award to Mary Shrader who works with Heartland of Greenville, Darke County Parks in in the log house, and delivering Meals on Wheels. 

“We know our RSVP volunteers are passionate about their service and dedicated to improving non-profits and people’s lives through engagement in their communities” said Greg Morrow, RSVP Director.   “RSVP in Darke County has volunteers that work with young children to cultivate a love of learning through the Reading Buddies Literacy Program, other volunteers that work to organize the soup kitchen, and our everyday volunteers that work as tutors or answer phones in non-profit offices.  All of the volunteers are important and fulfill a need that probably can’t be met any other way.” 

In our four county service areas our RSVP volunteers served 7,921 hours doing local work in their communities.  Now we could try to put a monetary value on those hours of work and the amount would surprise you, but volunteering should not be measured in dollars. Volunteering is people creating a vibrant culture where an act of kindness is given freely.  Volunteering is helping, not hiring; giving, not taking; contributing, not counting.   Volunteerism is local citizens doing work in extraordinary ways that connect a community together.

The local recognition was also sponsored in part by Brethren Retirement Community, Zechar-Bailey Funeral Home, Oliver-Floyd Funeral Home, Second National Bank, Financial Achievement Services, United Way of Darke Co., State Farm Insurance, Eye Center of Greenville, Kitchenaid, Heartland of Greenville, Baker’s Country Time Popcorn, and Rosie Fields Massage.  We thank them for all their support. 

RSVP is always looking to engage volunteers and find innovative ways to encourage new volunteers to join in their community. If you are 55+ years of age and looking for something new to do to keep you involved, help your community and make new friends, call today we can find that “just right” volunteer opportunity for you. In Darke County call Cheryl Stafford at 937-548-8002 or email at rsvpdk@councilonruralservices.org  and talk with her about all the opportunities. 

RSVP/HandsOn West Central Ohio is a program of Council on Rural Services …programs for innovative learning.  The organization supports children, youth, and older adults in nine counties of west central Ohio.   For more information about the agency check the Web site at www.councilonruralservices.org or call 937-778-5220.