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Participants in the Golden Triangle Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) offered through the Southeast Texas Regional Planning Commission put in thousands of man-hours every year without ever collecting a dime in return for their labor. Celebrating the selfless service of the aged 55 and older volunteer group that keeps an array of nonprofits with boots on the ground, a golden event is set for the Golden Triangle RSVP crowd as the collective hosts its 51st annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon at the MCM Elegante Hotel on Feb. 8.
The planning commission advertises the RSVP program as a means to promote utilization of the time and talents of people aged 55 and older as community resources. The program provides a variety of volunteer opportunities for service and participation in the life of the community. In 2023, Golden Triangle RSVP had 388 volunteers serving over 53,245 hours at 34 nonprofits throughout Southeast Texas, including Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson and Orange counties. The estimated value of this volunteer time, per the planning commission, amounts to more than $1.6 million in services to the community. A sampling of the agencies benefitting from RSVP volunteers includes:
• Area Agency on Aging Ombudsman Program
• Baptist Hospital of Southeast Texas
• Beaumont ISD • Beaumont Police Department
• Beaumont Libraries • Buna Libraries
• Catholic Charities
• CHRISTUS Hospitals – St. Elizabeth & Jasper Memorial
• Greater Jasper Share
• Hardin-Jefferson Hunger Initiative
• Hospitality Center
• Kirbyville Christian Outreach
• Lakeside Center
• Nutrition & Services for Seniors, Inc.
• Some Other Place
• Southeast TX Food Bank
• Southeast TX Veterans Service Group
• The Giving Field
• Orange Christian Services
• United Board of Missions
Each year, RSVP staff, the RSVP Advisory Council and participating volunteer stations take the opportunity to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of volunteers during the annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon. This year, Texas Representative Christian Manuel’s staff is in attendance to recognize one of RSVP’s outstanding volunteers. In addition, volunteers receive special awards for number of hours served, years of service and volunteer recruitment success. This year’s event reveals the names of two especially dedicated volunteers – the recipient of the Margaret Richter Award for most hours served in 2023 (1,035 volunteer hours) and the recipient of the Most Years of RSVP Service Award for over 32 years of volunteer service. The luncheon is funded entirely by donations from area businesses.