Community Spotlight: Lafayette County RSVP

Community Spotlight – Lafayette County RSVP

RSVP isn’t only an acronym for responding to a party invite. RSVP takes on an entirely different meaning for the Lafayette County Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).

The Lafayette County RSVP is a nationwide organization that encourages older adults to bring their talents, experiences, and hobbies to help community projects and organizations. RSVP targets a diverse range of volunteer activities; so that the volunteers can use the skills they already possess to help make Lafayette County a better place for all. The Lafayette County RSVP currently has 185 volunteers, and is aiming to grow the organization to 225 active volunteers.

“I think of RSVP as volunteers giving their time to our community, helping to make an impact and making Oxford and Lafayette County a better place for all of us to live in through volunteer service,” said Arledia Bennett, Director of RSVP.

One unique quality that makes RSVP different from many other volunteer efforts is the benefits that they give to their volunteers. Volunteers for RSVP can receive benefits such as supplemental and accident insurance, recognition for their service, training and learning new skills, and making new friends.

“RSVP has Memorandums of Understandings with 42 different non-profit agencies in Oxford and Lafayette County,” said Bennett. “This gives our volunteers great choices when it comes to selecting activities and places of interest where they can volunteer. We have some volunteer opportunities such as the Oxford Film Festival, Double Decker Run and Festival, Special Olympics Track and Field, AARP Tax Aide and Dr. Seuss Read Across America that are coming up.”

With 42 non-profit agencies to choose from, there is a volunteer niche for every individual to find the way they can best help the community. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities, ranging from yearly to weekly events.

RSVP is sponsoring several upcoming special events, including the Health and Wellness Expo, an annual event in May. They are hosting a St. Patrick’s Day luncheon for RSVP volunteers, as well as celebrating National Volunteer Week and Mayor’s Day and County Day of Recognition, both in April.

If you are interested in volunteering with RSVP, or are looking for more information, visit the Oxford Park Commission website at http://www.oxfordparkcommission.com/rsvp.aspx or email their director, Arledia Bennett at [email protected]

By Caitlin Vaughn