volunteers are honored

County Executive Edward A. Diana announced that 664 volunteers in the Orange County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) contributed 100,645 hours of volunteer time last year. He pointed out that "this outstanding contribution by our senior volunteers is a major factor in the special quality of life here in Orange County. Our community and cultural organizations are greatly enriched by the efforts of the volunteers." RSVP volunteers delivered fresh, hot meals every wekday to 540 elderly shut-ins. They led exercise and strength training classes. Volunteers operated two thrift stores making good quality clothing and household items available to low income people. Trained RSVP volunteers assisted 1,459 seniors to file their tax returns, saving the cost of professional tax preparation. Children with disabilities were assisted in two therapeutic riding programs, adults with low reading levels achieved functional literacy, and nursing home residents were given warm lap robes made by RSVP crafters. RSVP tap dancers, line dancers, drama and music groups provided entertainment at adult day care centers, senior dining sites, residential health care facilities and community events. Volunteers teach driver safety classes to the elderly, respond to families affected by disasters, lead senior center programs, sit on Boards and Advisory Councils, and aid non-profits with management consulting and computer work. RSVP taps the skills, talents and experience of people age 55 and over to meet a wide range of community needs. The goals of the program are to enable non-profit community agencies to carry out their mission more fully through the help of volunteers, while at the same time to promote service and volunteerism throughout the lifetime of every person. To volunteer or for more information call Mary Stuart at 291-2176.