RSVP

Tazewell, Va. – Members of America’s Founding Volunteer Army had the distinction of being called Minutemen in the Revolutionary War because they had to be ready in a minute to defend their homeland.  Tazewell County had many Volunteer Minutemen then and can currently boast of 420 special Retired and Senior Volunteers serving in the same communities once guarded by Minutemen.   The volunteers of the Tazewell County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program have been serving their communities for 38 years as a program of Clinch Valley Community Action, Inc (CVCA).   In 2008, Tazewell County RSVP Volunteers in 72 Volunteer Stations served over 151,000 hours.  These volunteers served in food pantries, classrooms, hospitals, thrift stores, chambers of commerce, rescue squads and fire departments, fairs and festivals, and with many other civic and non-profit organizations and events.   Many of the volunteers provided direct services to area citizens in need of transportation, meals, clothing, and visitation, while others made reassurance calls to shut-ins and the disabled.

These valuable volunteers were honored at the RSVP Recognition on April 30 at Nuckolls Hall at the Tazewell County Fairgrounds.   Virginia State Senator Phillip Puckett was the keynote speaker and remarks were also heard from Virginia State Representative Dan Bowling and other area dignitaries.  The event theme honored America’s first volunteers of note, the Founding Volunteer Army of the American Revolutionary War.  Susan White, Director of Senior Volunteer Services at CVCA and Chris Thompson, Executive Director at CVCA provided additional comments and thanks to an estimated crowd of 350 volunteers and guests.  Chris Thompson said, “The 420 RSVP volunteers that served in 2008 provided volunteer service worth over one million dollars in value when calculated at minimum wage.  They let their life experience count every day they volunteered and made a difference in our communities.  We thank you for continuing the tradition of the Founding Volunteer Army.”

All those in attendance enjoyed a delicious meal and the musical talents of CC and the Creekboys.  Members of the band write and play “Appalachian American” style music and have recorded several CD’s.  All of the RSVP volunteers present received a Disaster Preparedness Kit and additional instructions and information about being Red Cross Ready for disasters.  RSVP volunteers also received service pins and other recognition items.  Many door prizes were given out through the generosity of area donors and businesses.

Anyone wanting information about becoming an RSVP volunteer can call CVCA at 276-988-5583 or email Susan White at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it