St. John RSVP volunteers giving back to community

Published 12:04 am Saturday, August 6, 2016

GRAMERCY — Names to know in St. John the Baptist Parish are Gloria Brignac, Jackie Labat, Alice Roussell, Nellwyn Torres and Betty Vicknair.

Each was recognized this month by the River Region’s three parish presidents for contributing more than 20 years of volunteer service.

Brignac, Labat, Roussell, Torres and Vicknair are active in the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP).

The RSVP links adults from St. James, St. Charles and St. John Parishes ages 55 and over to meaningful volunteerism, providing opportunities for those interested to pursue their interests and use their skills to help meet community needs.

Volunteers serve in a diverse range of nonprofit organizations, public agencies and faith-based groups.

Each volunteer contributes an average of four hours per week to remain an active RSVP member.

Terry Labat and Velda Michel were honored for top hours, and St. John Parish clocked in a total of 32,811 volunteer hours valued at $756,949.77 for 2016.

St. John Parish President Natalie Robottom joined St. James Parish President Timmy Roussel and St. Charles Parish President Larry Cochran in honoring more than 400 seniors from the River Parishes at the 39th Annual Luncheon July 13 at the St. James Parish Boat Club in Gramercy.

Awards were presented to volunteers with five to 25 years of service.

Overall, RSVP recorded 668 volunteers providing 73,827.5 hours of service valued at $1,703,200.43.

“Congratulations to all of the volunteers for their efforts and giving back to the community,” Robottom said.

“The number of volunteers in St. John Parish continues to grow and for this we say thank you.”

In addition to the presentation of awards, volunteers also reveled in music, dancing, socializing and entertainment by the Oldies but Goodies Dance & Social Club.

For more information on how to get involved with the RSVP program, call 985-783-8907.