PITTSFIELD, Mass. — For more than 50 years, generations of seniors have donated their time to community organizations in the Berkshires through the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. 

 

In 2024, its 305 volunteers committed 40,699 hours across 44 stations. It is this commitment to the community that has earned the organization and its volunteers the title of April's Community Hero of the month. 

 

The Community Hero of the Month is a 12-month series that honors individuals and organizations that have made a significant impact on their community. This year's sponsor is Window World of Western Massachusetts. Nominate a hero here. 

 

RSVP is a national organization, funded in part by AmeriCorps Seniors, and sponsored locally by the city of Pittsfield. 

 

The Berkshire County program provides recruitment, training, and placement of seniors ages 55 and over as volunteers. There is a wide range of opportunities to suit anyone's strengths and interests, volunteers said. 

 

The program connects seniors to to more than 40 businesses, organizations, and nonprofits throughout the county, including Hancock Shaker Village, American Red Cross, Berkshire  Athenaeum, Berkshire Scenic Railway, Berkshire Veterans Outreach Center, Greylock Glen Outdoor Center

Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity, and more. 

 

State Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier demonstrated that the total value of the work contributed by these volunteers is at least $800,000 per year,  if they were to calculate the 40,000 hours of service at $20 per hour, which for many is less than what the seniors made in their careers.