Volunteer's big influence

By Tina Dohogne

Eloise Moore is the last remaining RSVP volunteer from 1973. She has been with us for 35 years and will be turning 99 this year. Cliff Barlow is a VIC volunteer who was a student at Chaffee Elementary School in the first grade class where Eloise volunteered. He called her "Grandma Eloise."

Eloise volunteered there for many years and had a small desk in the back of the room where she helped many children who were having difficulty in their studies. Cliff was a straight-A student but expressed to his teacher, Sue Duncan, that he needed Grandma Eloise's help with his reading.

After school that day, Mrs. Duncan sent a note home with Cliff to give to his mother (me) expressing that I might need to help Cliff with his reading, because he told her he was having difficulty. She also said in the note that she thought Cliff was excellent with his reading and did not know there was a problem, but he asked for help. so we needed to look further into the situation.

Later that evening, as I did several evenings, I read him a story from his collection of Walt Disney Books. Then I had him read. He did a fantastic job. So I asked him, "Cliff, how come you feel you have a problem with reading?" He said, "I don't, Mommy. I just wanted to sit back there with Grandma Eloise and see what it was like."

Kids!

He admires her, and every time he sees her, he gives her the biggest hug. You can tell by his reaction that she touched the lives of many children who adored her, and that is why I am sharing this story with you. Cliff is 26 years old, graduated with two bachelor's degrees from Southeast Missouri State University, married and has a fantastic job. He credits all this to his upbringing plus his exposure to the benefits of volunteerism.

It all began in the year 1973,

In a small rural town called Chaffee.

An unusual program with the name of RSVP,

And people wondered, "What could this possibly be?"

A program unique, oh yes indeed,

To serve and assist and to fulfill a need.

A program where people can give each and every day,

To provide a service in a very special way.

Twenty volunteers began the show,

Ready, willing and able and raring to go.

No task too big, no task too small,

Whatever was asked, they did it all.

A smile, a touch, a helping hand,

Enriching lives across this rural land.

Time has passed, and now its 2008,

Thirty-five years strong and still doing great.

Through sorrow and laughter, joy and tears,

So many things have changed through these years.

Another new program was started anew,

Encouraging all ages to get involved too.

It was given the name VIC to entice those who care,

Offering their services to those in despair.

Several volunteers now help where they can,

In making life better for each of their fellow man.

Setting an example for all to share,

Demonstrating a kindness filled with love and care.

It's our belief, heart, mind and soul,

Volunteers can play an important role.

RSVP and VIC will continue to grow and expand,

Accomplishing the impossible, hand in hand.

Tina Dohogne is the executive director of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program and the Volunteer Intergenerational Center in Chaffee, Mo.