The Retired Senior Volunteer Program held a recognition luncheon Tuesday for volunteers in the community honoring their hard work throughout the year.
Volunteers present at the banquet included the American Legion Honor Guard, members of area churches such as First United Methodist and Central Church of Christ who provide clothing rooms and meals for the needy. Volunteers from Eastside Quilters were on hand, as were volunteers from Meals on Wheels and Morrison Library.
“There are over 455,000 volunteers across the country. Every day in our community, over 180 RSVP volunteers are hard at work,” said RSVP director Jim Wilson. “They’re serving and delivering meals to the home bound, working blood drives for the Red Cross, performing graveside services for veterans, hand crafting quilts for those who have lost everything to fire or disaster, maintaining food banks and clothing rooms, providing services at libraries, and helping out in school programs before, after, and during school.”
Wilson’s job entails tracking the 180 volunteers in the county and reporting their activities to the state and federal government.
“You are showing this community it is worth it. You all make this community work. There are some great things going on across the country thanks to volunteers like you. These are the greatest people in the country and we honor them,” said Wilson.
Approximately 100 volunteers were treated to lunch catered by The Grove. The delicious meal included lasagna, salad, rolls, banana pudding and a crowd favorite, chocolate banana pudding, and fruit or sweet tea. Several attendees said they had never eaten chocolate banana pudding, but were glad to have the opportunity to devour the delicious dessert.
After lunch, attendees played Bingo for a chance to win prizes scattered throughout the room.
Wilson said Meals on Wheels needs more volunteers. “They have an open route right now. I know there are 12 to 14 people on the waiting list to receive food. There is always a turnover with people who cannot volunteer anymore,” he said.
For more information about volunteering with Meals on Wheels, call 473-3514.