The 2010 Pike County United Way fundraising campaign is underway, and 17 local agencies will benefit from the funds raised.

The dollars allocated by the Pike County United Way to the different agencies depend on the generosity of the community and on the needs of the agencies.

Tammy Lockley, Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) director, said her agency depends on the dollars from the United Way to keep the RSVP transportation program going and to help pay insurance on the volunteers while they are volunteering with the program.

The only requirements to be an RSVP volunteer are that one must be 55 years or older and willing to give at least one hour a quarter to the volunteer service program.

“Our volunteers choose the number of hours that they want to volunteer and we place them with an agency of their interest,” Lockley said.

“The bulk of our volunteers participate in community service programs. They visit their neighbors and assist them with their needs. We have our telephone assurance ladies who call a list of shut-ins each day just to check on them. And, we do have a limited transportation program for doctor’s visits.”

The local RSVP program currently has 350 active volunteers serving 11 agencies in Pike County.

The agencies served include Troy Regional Medical Center, Troy Health & Rehabilitation Center, American Red Cross, the Colley Senior Complex, the Pioneer Museum of Alabama, the nutrition centers around the county and other community service agencies.

Each year, the RSVP hosts a recognition banquet for the volunteers in appreciation for their service to the community.

The banquet is funded through donations. This year’s banquet will be held on Nov. 5 at the Pike County Fairgrounds.

The RSVP is sponsored locally by Troy University and receives funding through a Corporation for National and Community Service federal grant.

“We depend, too, on the generous support of the Pike County United Way for the specific use of funds for transportation and insurance. The United Way funds are vital to our program,” Lockley said.

“The United Way is just as important to other agencies in Pike County so by supporting the United Way campaign, you are supporting 17 local agencies that serve friends and neighbors.”

The campaign will end in mid-November but donations throughout the year are always needed and appreciated.

To learn more about the RSVP and volunteer opportunities, call Lockley at 566-6158.