RSVP has received a grant from the Kansas Volunteer Commission to expand into a full service volunteer center that works with volunteers of all ages. RSVP will maintain a separate identity for the over age 55 volunteers and the new Volunteer Connections will recruit and manage volunteers under age 55. We are in the process of hiring a part time person to coordinate this new program and plan to be up and running soon. Central Kansas Volunteers in Action will be the umbrella agency for the two volunteer programs; we plan to be a one-stop shop to look for volunteers or volunteer opportunities in Barton and Pawnee Counties. So if you call RSVP and hear “Volunteers in Action, can we help you?”, don’t hang up!  RSVP is still here.   
We are looking for a few special people who like to drive and want to help people. The RSVP Medical Transportation Program provides transportation to medical appointments for any Barton County resident that has no other way to travel. Our drivers use personal vehicles and RSVP provides the cost of fuel. A driver can choose to do local or long distance trips and has full discretion to accept a trip or not. We have a wheelchair accessible van available for individuals that can’t travel any other way and are in desperate need of drivers for the van. You must be willing to undergo an MVR and be approved by Barton Community College to drive the van. While we don’t have too many requests for the van, when it is needed we are usually the only option available for out of town medical appointments. Please call Carol or Donna at 792-1614 for more information.
If you live in Hoisington, the Hoisington Public Transportation Trolley is searching for volunteer drivers willing to work on Monday, Wednesday or Friday. The hours of operation are 9 a.m. -4 p.m. with a hour off for lunch from 11:30—12:30; drivers can eat lunch at the Friendship Meals if desired. You will not be driving the whole time but will be on call with a cell phone if a Hoisington resident calls in for a ride to a location within the city limits of Hoisington. If you have a valid driver’s license, are not insulin-dependent, are willing to take a KDOT physical paid by the city and like to help people, you are perfect for this job. Call Pat Conrad at 620-653-2555 or the city office at 620-653-4125.
RSVP volunteers made over 135 lap robes for Christmas presents for Barton County nursing home patients and for veterans living in the Fort Dodge Soldiers Home. Because of this, we are really getting low on yarn. If you or someone you know has extra skeins of yarn lying around, think about us. We really could have used more lap robes and adult size winter caps for the Fort Dodge veterans and we’re already starting to collect lap robes for Christmas 2013.  
Volunteering has a meaningful, positive impact on both the volunteers and the communities where they live and work. Volunteering is also a great way to learn something new no matter your age. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” If you have a little extra time, we would love to talk to you about volunteering. We have a wide variety of opportunities for most interests and talents. If we don’t have something that suits you, maybe we can develop something that will take advantage of your skills and talents. Call Donna at 792-1614.