In 2009, Congress designated September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in Durant plans to honor the day with a water drive.

RSVP is part of the National Senior Service Corps, an organization of Americans 55 years and older who volunteer in their communities.

The water drive, named Water for the Fire, is going to be a four-day drive starting on Tuesday, Sept. 11 and ending that Friday.

The program’s executive director, Sheila Risner, said that the drive will accept bottles of water and Gatorade. It will also accept donations of money to buy water and Gatorade.

The donations are to be dropped off at the RSVP office or at the RSVP booth that will be at the Bryan County Fair September 5, 6, 7 and 8.

The water and Gatorade collected during the drive will be divided among all of the first responders in Bryan County. “We are doing this for the first responders” said Risner.

The organization wants first responders to have good supply of water and Gatorade because “first responders are our first line of defense for whatever happens” said Risner.

Although the drive has not yet started, RSVP has already received a few donations of water fro the cause.

RSVP is also looking for volunteers for another program offered by the Organization. Drivers are needed for Provide a Ride.

Provide a Ride offers senior citizens a ride to medical appointment when needed. All money spent on gas is reimbursed. Volunteers must be 55 years and older.