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The former West Salem teacher plays cards, hunts and fishes — yet he still has been able to rack up thousands of volunteer hours in the La Crosse area since he retired 14 years ago. “I feel I have to give something back,” he said. “Life has been so good to me.”
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RSVP volunteer Bob Bahr takes photos of driver’s license applicants at the DMV in Onalaska. Bahr has volunteered at the DMV trough RSVP for 13 years. PETER THOMSON photo |
The 78-year-old can be found taking driver’s license photos at the Division of Motor Vehicles office most Tuesdays and delivers meals for the Lion’s Club and his church throughout the week.
Bahr got the DMV gig through the Coulee Region Retired Senior Volunteer Program shortly after he retired. He was looking for something to add to his schedule and called the local office.
“I like it very much,” he said. “The people there are very nice.”
The Coulee Region Retired Senior Volunteer Program has connected those ages 55 and older to area community service opportunities for 35 years.
The local organization is among 17 RSVP projects in Wisconsin, funded through the federal National Corporation for
Community Service, the Wisconsin Bureau on Aging and local money from individuals, organizations, businesses and grants.
It has had three sponsors since it began in 1973 — Lutheran Social Services, Franciscan Skemp Elder Care and Bethany Lutheran Homes — and became an independent entity, sponsored by the Friends of the Coulee Region RSVP, in 2005.
Coulee Region RSVP has 1,300 active volunteers who donate 100,000 to 125,000 hours annually to a variety of community organizations, said Lynnetta Kopp, the local executive director since 2004.
Coulee Region RSVP is the second largest such organization in the state in terms of number of volunteers and hours put in, trailing only Dane County, Kopp said.
From January to June, 309 local RSVP volunteers logged 58,550 hours, she said.
“Each year we continue to grow,” Kopp said. “RSVP has always been a successful organization in the La Crosse area.”
Coulee Region RSVP offers more than 130 volunteer sites at area medical facilities, libraries, festivals, historical sites, thrift stores, nature centers, social service organizations, non-profit agencies, children’s programs and more.
It is well known for its Driver Escort program that provides transportation to medical and personal appointments, as well as the Study Buddy program that pairs volunteers with students who need reading and math help.
“If you go to 10 different places, you’ll see at least one RSVP volunteer,” Kopp said. “It’s what we’re here for — to lead with experience and make a difference in someone’s life.”
Working together
A 40-hour work week was unheard of for Lyle and Dee Peacock when they had the family-run Community Camera in downtown La Crosse.
When the day came to retire in August 1993, the Peacocks were nervous, wondering what would fill their days.
But by January 1994, family friend — and volunteer — Bob Brudos had the couple assisting RSVP with a survey to find out who was riding city buses.
The Peacocks enjoyed the experience and signed up for more.
They since have mentored children in area schools, presented a beginning alcohol program, served as driver escorts, assisted at the DMV and more.
“It’s the old cliche, you get more out of what you give than you get,” said Dee, 71. “We want to help while we can.”
Get involved
RSVP volunteers don’t need to be retired, just at least age 55, Kopp said.
To fill needs in La Crosse and Monroe counties, the organization has been recruiting more baby boomers who still might be working.
“We’ve been trying to reach out to a more diverse age group,” Kopp said.
RSVP also has contacted local businesses and other organizations to increase its pool of volunteers.
Getting involved is easy, Kopp said. Anyone interested can contact the office for an interview to determine how they might want to serve.
There is no mandatory time commitment.
“All we ask is that they find somewhere to share their expertise and talent,” Kopp said. “I see what (RSVP) does for the community and what it does for those who volunteer.”
If you go
RSVP awards
The following people will be honored Wednesday at the Coulee Region RSVP annual recognition banquet:
