HONESDALE, PA — “Service to others is a hallmark of the American character, and has the unique ability to bring people of all backgrounds together in common cause.”

So say the Wayne County Commissioners in their proclamation honoring National Volunteer Week, April 21-27, 2024.

At their April 18 meeting, the commissioners said volunteering is essential in bringing communities closer together. In this time of growing social isolation, it helps people feel more socially connected.

One of the busiest volunteer programs in Wayne County is the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), which is funded through the Americorps Senior program and sponsored by Diakon Community Services. Working closely with the Area Agency on Aging, RSVP helps community members 55 and older find volunteer opportunities. Best of all, the program allows members to choose how, where, and how frequently they want to volunteer. 

Mary Grace Pedroso, the director of the RSVP in Berks, Pike, and Wayne counties, attended the commissioners’ meeting along with nearly a dozen RSVP members to emphasize the program’s importance. 

“Our focus here in Wayne County is to help seniors live independently for as long as possible, with as much dignity as possible.” Pedroso said.

In 2023 alone, the program’s 115 volunteers delivered more than 91,000 meals, assisted nearly 11,500 food pantry clients, and called seniors via its senior chat program, along with many other similar tasks.

Mary Ursich, an administrator for the Area Agency on Aging, chimed in. “We really couldn’t function in our senior centers, meal programs, our food pantries,” she said. “None of those programs would function without volunteers.”

This week not only recognizes the RSVP volunteers but the hundreds of youth coaches, PTA members, Scout leaders, and others who volunteer their time and talents throughout the county. 

The proclamation ended with this powerful last line: “[We] encourage residents to recognize the positive impact of national service in our community; to thank those that serve; and to find their own ways to give back to the communities.”

If you have any questions about volunteering in Wayne County, visit the county’s website at https://waynecountypa.gov/173/Volunteer-Program.