City Angel
IOPENNVITATION By Mysti Koontz
For many, RSVP is an
open invitation to live a life larger than yourself.
Want to learn more? Call 433.1136 for more information or visit www.rsvpcumberland.org where you may apply to volunteer.
Above | RSVP volunteer Jim Stitt delivers a meal to Annie McMillan.
64 | June/July • 2010 M
ost of us, when we hear the term RSVP, think of needing to call before a party or to give a response
in answer to an invitation. But there are others in Fayetteville who would think of something entirely different. Those individuals think of a warm meal served with a kind smile or a little extra help with homework, or possibly that person who gives directions at the hospital. Why do these people have such a different concept of RSVP? It might have to do with their involvement with an organization called the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, RSVP for short. RSVP volunteers serve more than
76 organizations across Cumberland County. The agency has federal ties as
a member of Senior Corps, under the auspices of the Corporation for National and Community Service. It is a federal non-profit program founded in 1974 which helps connect citizens 55 and older to meaningful volunteer positions. Jim Stitt, a faithful RSVP volunteer at 77, put it this way, “It’s a clearinghouse of volunteers, a place to connect with others and do something worthwhile.” Stitt has been delivering meals to shut-
ins for more than six years and recalls a golden moment that stands out amongst the others. He had noticed the condition of this particular elderly woman had declined between each of their visits. First she had been walking to the door, then with a walker she came, and now she was in a wheelchair. But she always greeted the volunteers with a smile, asked how they were doing and told them to be
