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RSVP: Keep 'phenomenal' going

| February 9, 2018 12:00 AM

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program is a “phenomenal program,” states Chris Martin, VP of Finance and Business Affairs at North Idaho College, but “stopped making fiscal sense.” Really? A program that has been serving North Idaho communities since 1971 and recognized for its economic value of volunteer hours: $1,875,263.20. For every $1 in funding, the community receives $27.89 in services (stats as of 2016); all while being funded at 2011 levels following a 20 percent cut. This is no longer a viable service for our community? As of April 1, 2016, there were 559 volunteers.

This program has been a wonderful community effort not only helping the hundreds who have been helped since 1971, but also the retired and senior 55+ adult volunteers who have given so much of their valuable time to help those who need assistance in so many ways. I agree with Sharon McInturff that we should pray that some business or spiritual organization step forward to not allow this great program to end. Better yet, maybe it is time to petition our Legislature to fund the grant or at least reinstate the 20 percent cut.

ELIZABETH BARKER

Athol