The IndependentIt is said that T-I-M-E spells L-O-V-E. Sometimes it is easier to pull out some cash than to donate some time, but that is exactly what the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), a Senior Corps program, run through the Five County Association of Governments, in partnership with the Utah Commission on Service and Volunteerism, is asking all Utahns to give this year. They are challenging Utahans to pledge to give the gift of time throughout the upcoming year. In other words, don’t let it end with Christmas.
According to U Serve, Utah’s online pledge page, “During the holidays, volunteer and donation centers see an influx of individuals and families looking for ways to give back to their communities. Volunteer and donation centers feel a need for help all times of the year, not just during the holidays. For that reason, we are encouraging individuals to pledge to volunteer their time during the slower months of the year.”
Bonnie Char Hallman, coordinator for The Five County Association of Governments RSVP program, adds, “This is the perfect collaboration. RSVP matches volunteers (primarily 55 and older) with non-profit agencies in need. The southern Utah community is rich with experience, expertise, and talents to lend through service. Sometimes people don’t know where to start and that is where we are here to help. What better way to keep the holiday gift giving spirit alive?” Hallman adds, “As the hectic holiday season winds down and the New Year rolls around, there is still a great need within the Five County Region for volunteer efforts”.
“In 2015 the RSVP, program will be adopting six focal areas identified in the Serve America Act: Disaster Services, Economic Opportunity, Education, Environmental Stewardship, Healthy Futures, and Veterans and Military Families”, Hallman notes. “We already have placement agreements with quite a number of non-profits, yet we would love to expand our community reach even more”. Non-profits that would like to be considered for RSVP volunteers are invited to contact Hallman for details at [email protected]
To pledge your gift of time visit: www.userve.utah.gov/pledge. Community members can also find the link to the Volunteer Pledge on the Volunteer Center of Washington County’s facebook page. For more information about the Volunteer Pledge or the RSVP Program, contact Bonnie Char Hallman (435) 673-3548 or email [email protected]
