An invitation comes to mind to most people when they hear the letters “RSVP.” They imagine the word in the bottom right corner meaning: “We need a response as to whether or not you are coming!” That expression comes from the French, répondez s’il vous plaît. But if you take time and look at Wikipedia you might also find that RSVP is Australia’s most popular online dating service!

However, in Meridian you need look no further. RSVP stands for the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Meridian. Since 1974, we have been sponsored by the United Way organization and have been providing local agencies with volunteer help to expand their service capacity. RSVP equally serves senior volunteers by giving them opportunity to share their knowledge and experience — as well as keeping them active in their community.

We hear that many people resist volunteering as they are not paid for their time. RSVP volunteers receive mileage reimbursement; they usually only work for four hours at a time; some agencies may also provide meals or extra benefits to thank them for their service. Most importantly the volunteer is valued in the community for their help and they are sometimes hired with pay as a full time/part time worker. This is what happened to Daphne Darden, who volunteered at Wesley House answering the phone; she is now being paid for her services.

The person to ask for when calling the RSVP number (601-482-0512) is Joyce, who will help you in filling out an application and finding out just what kind of agency you might want to work with. If you happen to know another volunteer or board member, they can help you find a spot you would enjoy. Most volunteers only work four hours a day.

Though we are always pursuing more agencies which might need volunteers, there are about 40 on our list now. To name a few:  Anderson Regional Medical Center, Care Lodge, Meals on Wheels, Lauderdale County Welcome Center, the Meridian Symphony Orchestra, Wesley House Community Center, Miller Art Gallery at Meridian Community College, LOVE’s Kitchen, the Boys and Girls Club of East Mississippi and the MSU Riley Center.

RSVP board members volunteer in many capacities. Bob Glazer leads an AARP Driver’s Safety Class, which refreshes senior drivers on the rules of the road. This is only a four-hour class in which attendees are rewarded with a discount on their auto insurance. He will be leading another class this coming Tuesday at the United Way/RSVP office at 4817 North Park Drive. Phone first to make a reservation 601-482-0512 as class size is limited.

Last year, board member Rose Ellen Reid made a special effort to introduce “The Talking Book” — a service of the Mississippi Library Commission for the Blind and Handicapped — to the community. She found 22 individuals who will be receiving a tape player with tapes of current books delivered free of charge weekly from Jackson.   

On Sept. 11, RSVP volunteers baked cakes and cookies and delivered to Meridian fire fighters and local law enforcement to thank them for all they do to help protect this community.  An RSVP board member provided Community Living Center a tall book shelf and filled it with books. We have gone to local farms and picked fruit and vegetable for LOVE’s Kitchen!  RSVP volunteers are always looking for new ways to help!

Meridian is a community of volunteers. We hear about them on radio and television and in The Meridian Star. If you happen to be over 55 and feel you have something to share, please, do RSVP to us at 601-482-0512. 

Merci! (Thank you!)

• Barbara Wells is an acting board member of RSVP, and a member of NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) and EMMG (East Mississippi Master Gardeners).