PHOTO: More than 140 senior citizens who devote much of their time volunteering to help others were honored at a special luncheon in Toms River on May 22. The Ocean County Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) has for the past 31 years has teamed older adults with needy members of the community.

“We could never replace you,” Freeholder Gerry P. Little told the crowd at the Clarion Hotel. “We could never replicate the important service you perform.”

Little and Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari presented a proclamation to RSVP Director Alisa MacCrate and Chairperson thanking her, her staff and the more than 500 volunteers who participate in the program.

Vicari said that as Ocean County’s senior population continues to age, the volunteer program is more important than ever.

“Ocean County has the highest concentration of senior citizens in the nation and many of them are 85, 90 or even older,” he said. “They need your help more than ever before.”

Vicari is Chairman of the Ocean County Department of Senior Services while Little is liaison to the Ocean County Board of Social Services.

In 2012, volunteers provided nearly 37,000 hours of service.

If the county had to pay for that service, the total bill would reach nearly $950,000, Little said.

Freeholder Director John P. Kelly, who is also Director of Law and Public Safety, said the services the volunteers provide are priceless.

“You make all the difference to those who need a helping hand in Ocean County,” Kelly said.

Photo Caption:

Freeholders Gerry P. Little (left) and Joseph H. Vicari present a proclamation honoring the Retire and Senior Volunteer Program to RSVP Chairwoman Jane Kirby and Program Director Alisa MacCrate.