ONTARIO, Ohio — In appreciation of the many volunteers who have devoted their time and talents to the betterment of the community, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Mid-Ohio held its annual recognition celebration Monday afternoon at the Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging.
“Today we’re honoring our volunteers,” said Kathi Cutlip-Mills, RSVP of Mid-Ohio project director. “We do require that our volunteers have a minimum of 21 hours within a calendar year to come and partake in the recognition event. We have 237 volunteers who were eligible to come out today, and we just want to thank them and let them know we appreciate everything that they’ve done in the community.”
RSVP recruits individuals who are 55 and over to participate in various volunteer opportunities in Ashland and Richland counties.
“We have volunteer opportunities 365 days a year,” noted Cutlip-Mills.
She said the volunteers serve at such places like the Salvation Army, Raemelton Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Sherman Elementary School and local food pantries and soup kitchens.
“It’s a proven fact that when someone retires, no matter what their age is, if they don’t stay active or engaged in something within five years they will start to have medical problems or worse, so we really encourage people to stay engaged and stay busy, plus they’re giving back to the community,” said Cutlip-Mills.
Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging serves as the program’s local sponsor. Additional financial support is provided through the Ohio Department of Aging and local donations.
Duana Patton, CEO of Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, said, “The area agency is so proud to be a sponsor of the RSVP program. Our board is very committed to ensuring that we uphold the integrity of the program and continue to build relationships within the community and with all of our wonderful volunteers.”
She said to the crowd of volunteers, “I can tell you that we have a very strong foundation here, and the strong foundation that we have here in this county is you–all of you.”
Ontario Mayor Randy Hutchinson stated, “On behalf of the city of Ontario, we appreciate all of the volunteers out here…People don’t realize how much volunteers make a difference in the world; a lot of things couldn’t operate without volunteers.”
He presented Cutlip-Mills with a proclamation that declares Tuesday, May 5, 2015 as RSVP Appreciation Day.
“We honor the 398 volunteers that are on staff currently for 32,989.26 hours and the value wage for the hours served adding up to $743,911.96 serving their fellow community members,” Hutchinson said.
RSVP of Mid-Ohio began in 1973. To learn more about this program, call 800-860-5799 or 419-524-4144.
“People don’t realize how much volunteers make a difference in the world; a lot of things couldn’t operate without volunteers,” said Mayor Randy Hutchinson.
