The city of Atmore issued two special proclamations during its Monday council meeting, thanking those who volunteer their time for strong community causes.

First, Atmore Mayor Jim Staff read a proclamation declaring the month of April as “Paint the Town Purple” Month in the city of Atmore. This distinction is because purple is an important color to the American Cancer Society and Relay For Life. Atmore’s Relay For Life is scheduled for Friday, April 25, at 6 p.m., at Tom Byrne Park.

Samantha Bennett and Erica Little, captains of the Atmore Community Hospital Relay For Life team, requested for the city to adopt the proclamation.

The city also issued a proclamation adopting April 1 as National Service Recognition Day, expressing thanks to those who serve as volunteers.

Charles Smith, project director for the Escambia County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), told the council about the work of RSVP volunteers.

“RSVP is America’s largest volunteer network for people 55 and older, with more than 300,000 volunteers tackling tough issues in communities nationwide,” Smith said.

Smith explained that RSVP volunteers can either grow existing skills, or choose to learn new ones. Some of the programs that local RSVP volunteers work with include free tax counseling for the elderly, working at the local senior center, and helping with the “Meals on Wheels” program.

Smith said RSVP volunteers also mentor elementary school age children through the “Reading Buddy” program, and partner with the American Red Cross, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and Escambia County Habitat for Humanity.

For more on this story, see the Wednesday, March 26, edition of The Atmore Advance.