Volunteers at their best

A few days ago there was a special event to honor the 700-plus individuals in Cape Girardeau and Scott counties who volunteer for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and the Volunteer Intergenerational Center. It was an inspiring tribute as 200 of those volunteers heard well-deserved praise and received special honors.

Most of all, the RSVP-VIC ceremony represented the best of all volunteers in our area. There are literally thousands of individuals who find it personally rewarding to devote a few hours a day or a week or a month to some worthy cause. Among the beneficiaries of these volunteers are schools, churches, civic organizations, hospitals, nursing homes, youth groups and far too many others to mention.

In addition to providing valuable services, volunteers also provide inspiration, both to their peers and to younger generations. Many volunteers are elderly, because they have the time to commit now that their children are grown and their working careers have ended. But rather than spend all of their retirement with hobbies and travel, these individuals set a wonderful example of being able to stay active and contribute to the causes they believe are important, regardless of age.

Younger individuals in our area also are finding ways to become volunteers at an early age. Schools and colleges now place an appropriate emphasis on volunteering. And these young volunteers also make an extraordinary contribution to the betterment of the world around them while learning valuable lessons about life.

Our communities are better places because of the dedication and contribution of so many volunteers. We salute the RSVP-VIC volunteers for their outstanding work. And we also salute everyone who makes a habit of taking time to help others.