Whitney Downard / The Meridian StarThe United Way Retired and Senior Volunteer Program recognized Daphne Darden as the recipient of this year's Tim Tabereaux Volunteer of the Year award with 570 hours of service.

The United Way’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Holiday Reception and recognized Daphne Darden as the Volunteer of the Year. 

The Volunteer of the Year award, named after the late director of the RSVP, Tom Tabereaux, was presented by Tabereaux’s wife, Charlotte. Tom Tabereaux died last July.

RSVP Director Tim Putnam said Darden had volunteered for 2 to 3 years at Wesley House, a United Methodist church organization that helps the community with various needs.

“Daphne volunteered 570 hours as of yesterday (Dec. 8) – that’s like a job,” Putnam said. “But we don’t care about the number of hours, we just want (our volunteers) out in the community.”

Putnam said Darden didn’t receive the award because of the time dedicated but because of her characteristics.

“She’s got the drive, the fortitude and the personality we’d like all of our volunteers to have,” Putnam said.

Darden said she volunteered because she enjoyed the work.

“My mom volunteered at Wesley House when I was younger,” said Darden, a retired Northeast Lauderdale School teacher. “You can always find something to do there.”