‘We make a life by what we give.’
— Winston Churchill

An opportunity exists today to improve your life and at the same time improve the lives of others — volunteer with the Middlesex County Volunteer Rescue Squad (MCVRS) or its auxiliary.

Since 1956, the MCVRS in Deltaville has come to the aid of the infirm or injured.

Now volunteerism is declining. Middlesex County lost the Central Middlesex Volunteer Rescue Squad that was in Urbanna. 

All types of positions are needed, ambulance drivers, emergency medical technicians and other support persons. Training is provided. The email is Connect@mcvrs.life, or call 804-505-0602.

The auxiliary that raises funds to support the rescue squad needs help. Contact auxiliary president Darlene Revere at 804-815-9507.

“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile,” Albert Einstein said.

The spirit of community thrives in the
Middlesex County Volunteer Rescue Squad Auxiliary.

For 48 years, this Deltaville-based auxiliary has worked to support the life-saving mission of the Middlesex County Volunteer Rescue Squad (MCVRS). They are a team of immense importance.

An ambulance crew rushing to the aid of injured or sick persons in Middlesex County is what most people see. But there’s a lot more behind the flashing lights.

Since 1975, the auxiliary has donated more than $1 million to help keep the rescue squad viable. In a time of decreasing volunteers, the auxiliary has kept up and even increased its efforts. The MCVRS now has three stations — in Deltaville, Hartfield and Urbanna. And, the auxiliary helps keep them operating.

In its last fiscal year that ended July 31, the auxiliary donated about $260,000 to the rescue squad. Most of the money, $150,000, went to help buy a rescue squad building in Urbanna. Another $50,000 went towards a new ambulance, which will cost more than $300,000. About $25,000 went for new floors in the Deltaville squad building.

Bingo

Much of this money came from the auxiliary’s weekly bingo games offered every Monday, except for two weeks at Christmas. Bingo, which started in 1976, has gotten more popular and now draws scores of players seeking the $1,000 “jackpot” paid each Monday when there are at least 60 players, which is nearly every week, said auxiliary president Darlene Revere, who was a founding member of the auxiliary in 1975. Most weeks there are 80 players or more.

Hard workers

In June 1975 June Williams of Urbanna advised and helped the auxiliary get set up in Deltaville. She’s still a member, serving as vice president. “It’s fun because the members become your friends,” said Williams. “It’s a great group of men and women working as a team.”

The auxiliary also operates two flea markets or second-hand stores. Bargains and Treasures is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 16395 General Puller Highway in Deltaville across from the former Truist Bank.

The Second Time Around shop at 160 Cross St. in Urbanna is open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

New members needed

The majority of the auxiliary members have been part of the squad for 20 to 30 years, said Revere, and new people are not stepping up to help. “We’re always looking for new people,” Revere said. The auxiliary welcomes women and men who want to give just a few hours a month as an “associate” member, which means they don’t have to attend meetings. Contact Revere at 804-815-9507.