Helping the community, one scoop at a time

MT. PLEASANT — The Retired Seniors Volunteer Program highlighted its senior volunteers and the importance of volunteering on Monday with an ice cream social.

The program known as RSVP encourages seniors over the age of 55 to volunteer in the community and allows for a social camaraderie among the bunch, according to RSVP Director Amy Clark.

With federal funds, the program is aiming to get seniors involved and get them out and about in the community. Similar to AmeriCorps another federal volunteer program.

With 126 members, the program helps in almost all volunteer programs around Henry County, including Meals on Wheels, Old Threshers, food pantry and volunteering at the hospital.

“They are keeping the community running in all sorts of ways behind the scenes,” Clark said.

Clark described the explicit benefits to volunteering including self fulfillment, happiness and friendship.

“Volunteering is really a fantastic way to give back to the community, but it also has a lot of benefit to the individual,” Clark said.

It also has a massive economic impact, including putting $22 dollars back into the community with every hour of volunteering.

“It is a huge service to the community,” Clark said.

Arlene Wright, a volunteer at RSVP has been volunteering helping with mailings and making candy boxes for Toby and Susie shows.

“I’m retired, so I have time, and I like it,” Wright said about her volunteering.

Charlene Hinrichs is another volunteer for RSVP and has been serving the community for about 10 years. Hinrichs enjoys working at the hospital and delivering meals.

“It gives me a purpose, it makes me feel good, and I get to help other people,” said Hinrichs of her time with RSVP.

To get involved in RSVP, see Amy at the Fellowship Cup or call the Fellowship Cup at 319-385-3242.