Recognition of service

Several area businesses and organizations are able to better reach and help the community because of the dedication of the retired volunteers who continue to selflessly donate their time in service to others.

Several seniors and members of the community gathered at Lower Creek Baptist Church Saturday morning to recognize 33 nominees for the Appalachian RSVP 2008 Volunteer of the Year Award.

“We look forward to this every year,” said Appalachian RSVP Director Brenda Bentley. “National Volunteer Week starts (Sunday), and we wanted to take time out to honor all of you for all you do to help others. You all are so great.”

Appalachian RSVP, a United Way agency, is one of more than 700 nationwide and one of only 17 in North Carolina. The program also is the only one of its kind in the Unifour area and has 410 volunteers serving at 45 volunteer sites across Caldwell County.

“These sites are educational, health-related and other non-profits,” Bentley said. “Last year the volunteers gave 45,603 hours of volunteer service to their communities.”

Bruce Putman, an IRS specialist, discussed Appalachian RSVP programs, including Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). Appalachian RSVP is one of four of the 17 state programs with VITA.

Putman presented certificates to the volunteers who worked at the three VITA sites in Caldwell County, which prepared 224 federal returns and brought in more than $25,700 earned income tax credits and more than $5,800 child tax credits - not including paper returns.

“VITA is a free tax preparation program that focuses on low- to middle-income families,” Putman said.

According to Putman, help from volunteers is vital to the ability of providing the free service.

“It's a real pleasure to have you guys helping out,” Putman said. “We appreciate what you do so much, and it brings so much back to the community.”

Libby Brown, Advisory Council chairwoman, introduced the Advisory Council and discussed some upcoming events.

The main focus of the breakfast, however, was to celebrate the hard work of the nominees and the impact they have in the community.

“Every one of our RSVP volunteers are special,” Bentley said. “This is your day to be honored for what you do.”

Bentley presented the plaque to this year's Volunteer of the Year, Dale McNeil.

“All of you do such a great job,” she said. “The committee this year has chosen a really deserving person.”

McNeil has contributed more than 250 volunteer hours at Koinonia Apartments, his volunteer station. He also has volunteered at the Caldwell County Public Library in Lenoir, Caldwell Memorial Hospital and has served as a proctor in Caldwell County Schools.

When presented with the award, McNeil smiled and looked out into the crowd before humbly telling Bentley about all the other nominees he felt also were worthy of the award.

“There are a lot of deserving people here in this room today,” McNeil said. “I thank you for this (award).”