Senior volunteers make a difference

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program has been assisting nonprofit agencies throughout McHenry and Kane counties since 1987 when Senior Services Associates became the sponsor. The program, however, has been around for a lot longer.

In the spring of 1971 RSVP was launched, and that summer 11 programs were federally funded throughout the nation, engaging those individuals 60 and older in volunteer service. Today more than 296,100 give more than 60 million hours through RSVP.

Locally, in McHenry and Kane Counties, 700 RSVP volunteers gave 94,500 hours of service last year. According to information from the AARP website, $22.34 is the dollar value placed on Illinois volunteers. Using this figure, our dedicated volunteers save nonprofit organizations in our service area $2,111,130 each year.

Critical needs were met because of the service given in the areas of benefits assistance, food security, health education, independent living, transportation, computer literacy, homeless services, tax counseling, fund development, volunteer management, mentoring and Head Start.

Thank you to all who give so selflessly.

For information on how to get involved, call your local RSVP program at (847) 741-0404.

Wendy Holtz

Elgin