RSVP Photo Gallery

Congratulations to the RSVP Pen Pal Program of Nashua, NH Recipients of the 2006 Spirit of New Hampshire Volunteer Service Award. Third graders at Ledge St. Elementary School are partnered with RSVP seniors at Davidson Landing and embodies the ethic of service. L to R: Kathy Latham, Mary Sullivan, Sr. Denise Charest Karen Bober, Bonnie Blaisdell.

Companionship provided by RSVP volunteers to elders living in nursing homes compliments the health services and activities provided by facility staff. Contact with people who are not paid to be with them is important to the residents. With anywhere from 50 to 100 other residents, you might think isolation is a moot point. It's not. Sometimes, one's friends have passed on or are unable to travel to the nursing home, some people don't have family or they live far away...

In 2004, Dick and Betty Abbott were honored with a "Lifetime Achievement Award" by the Grafton County Commissioners for their work with North County Thresholds & Decisions, which they founded 15 years ago in partnership with RSVP and The Grafton County Department of Corrections, going on to help the RSVP serving Hillsborough County start T&D in their area.

Head Start students sing "Happy Birthday" (number 96!) to Russ Follansbee, a retired electrician and an RSVP volunteer for 27 years! During his last 12 years he did hands-on wood working projects twice a week, with each individual student in the class. His family often invited him to live with them in California. His reply was always, "Only if I can bring my kids!"

Story time with Mrs. Elsner. The "Thank You" card from the class says it all.

Did you know that a child needs about 1,000 experiences with books before the age of eight to get them well on their way to literacy? RSVP volunteers like Bill and Carolyn Mitchell help give children extra practice time not only reading aloud - often taking turns, but also talking about the stories and the pictures.

The State of Vermont hails Harold Luce as a cultural treasure. For over half a century Harold has been the main fiddler for the Ed Larkin Contra Dancers. Throughout New England, he is considered one of the best old-time fiddlers. As an RSVP volunteer since 1987, Harold shares his passion for the fiddle by travelling over 1,500 miles a year to play for scores of people at eight senior centers and nursing homes in Vermont and New Hampshire.

Good buddies come in all ages! Bringing students and volunteers together, bringing the generations together, after-school programs provide opportunities for more than home-work help.

Working is for the birds -- Blue Birds that is! RSVP volunteers and day-campers measured, sawed, nailed and installed houses custom made for the colorful bug eaters.