GAFFNEY — Citizens participating in the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Cherokee and Union Counties (RSVP) were honored recently for their services to non-profit and faith-based organizations in the community. The RSVP Volunteer Recognition Luncheon, which was held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, included remarks by Gaffney Mayor Henry Jolly who also presented a Proclamation of May 16 as RSVP Recognition Day.
RSVP of Cherokee and Union Counties is a federal program sponsored locally by United Way of the Piedmont. Its primary focus is to engage citizens 55 years of age and older in meaningful volunteer activities to help improve the quality of life for vulnerable populations.
According to RSVP Director Dr. Betty Edwards Garrison, the program assists organizations by serving as a kind of “umbrella” for volunteers who help the community address challenging issues in education, food security, and health. RSVP helps recruit volunteers and matches them to the organizations based on the volunteer’s skills and interests and the organization’s needs.
Although the program is new to Cherokee and Union counties, nationally more than 500,000 RSVP members offer their skills and experiences to help their communities move forward. Studies show that volunteers help strengthen the community and personally benefit from providing service to others.
For additional information, contact Dr. Betty Edwards Garrison at (864) 909-1192 or email bgarrison@uwpiedmont.org.








