Senator Flanagan Welcomes Rsvp To Their New Office In Smithtown

Senator John Flanagan (2nd Senate District) joined with the volunteers and staff of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) as they opened their new headquarters in Smithtown. The new office will serve as a central location for some of the 900 plus volunteers who assist 125 community organizations with a variety of beneficial programs.

RSVP, which has been serving the residents of Suffolk County since 1972, relies on a combination of funding provided by federal, state, county and local government entities and private fundraising efforts.

This year, Senator Flanagan was able to secure $5,000 in state grant funding to offset the cost of a new phone system for the organization.

"We were honored to have Senator Flanagan here to help us with the ribbon-cutting on our new office space," said Executive Director Peggy Orsino. "Senator Flanagan has always been a strong supporter of RSVP - he believes, as we do, that seniors with their expertise and energy can be the answer to meeting our community's needs through their volunteerism."

"RSVP unites seniors and retirees who wish to continue using their experience and knowledge with organizations in our community who can best utilize these gifts and that is a great service to all of us. I am glad to partner with them in their efforts and happy to welcome them to their new office in Smithtown," stated Senator Flanagan.

According to their web site, their volunteers rendered over 150,000 hours of community service to Suffolk County in 2005. This free work represents a real world value of over twomillion dollars. The new office is located at 811 West Jericho Turnpike in Smithtown. If you are interested in volunteering or would like additional information, please visit their web site at www.rsvpsuffolk.org.