Hosted by OCO’s Senior Services Division the breakfast was held Thursday, May 1^st during National Volunteer Week.  Established in 1974 as an annual celebration of volunteering, National Volunteer Week encourages individuals and communities to discover their power to make a difference.  Research has shown a connection between neighbors working with and helping each other and the community’s quality of life.  

With the theme, “Volunteers…The Heart Of The Community,” the event recognized the volunteers for their hard work and dedication to the many programs offered through OCO’s Senior Division.  Each volunteer received an inscribed silver heart key chain as well as a gift bag of ‘volunteer essentials,’ a fun collection of items that symbolize the many attributes needed to be a exceptional volunteer.  Included in the ‘volunteer essentials’ bag were:         

• A lollipop to help you lick your problems
• A rubber band to help you be flexible
• A Snicker to remind you to laugh
• A paperclip to help you hold things together
• A stick of gum to give you a stick-to-it attitude
• A pin to help you pin-point problems
• A piece of string to help you tie up loose ends
• A Lifesaver to help keep you afloat

• A penny to give you the extra “cents” everyone needs
• A Kiss to remind you that you are loved!!!

“It’s important that we recognize the incredible contribution we receive from each of our volunteers,” said Volunteer Coordinator with OCO’s Senior Division, Tracy Doherty.  “We have more than 180 volunteers who fill many roles for us including; working at our senior dining centers, helping with food preparation in our kitchen, and assisting with activities.  Each of our volunteers bring with them their own talents and experiences that enhance our Senior Services programs.”

Doherty said that one of the most important roles the volunteers perform is the delivering of meals to seniors in our communities who are unable to prepare meals for themselves.  “These volunteers not only deliver a hot, nutritious meal, but also provide a cheery visit for people in their homes who often have no other social contact.”

The work that the volunteers do is vital to the success of OCO’s Senior Services Division as it benefits not only the seniors who receive the services, but the program as well.

“Many of our volunteers do so for personal satisfaction and because they care about the people in their community.  National Volunteer Week gives us the opportunity to share those ideals, tell our inspirational stories, participate in projects and inspire others,” said Doherty.

“We hold this event each year to show our appreciation for the hard work that our volunteers do.  They are one of the reasons our Senior Division is so successful.  Their contributions help to enhance the quality of life for seniors in Oswego County and provides us with much needed in-kind support that benefits our program on a fiscal level.”

OCO gladly welcomes volunteers and encourages those interested in learning how they can become a volunteer with the Senior Services Division to contact Tracy Doherty at 598-4712, ext. 1067.

OCO Inc. is a not-for-profit Community Action Agency, supported by United Way, and includes seven service divisions – Senior Services, Transportation, Mental Hygiene, Health, Youth, Services to Aid Families, and Children’s.  For more information visit their Web Site at www.oco.org.

Cut line for photo:  Serving those who serve.  Oswego County Opportunities recognized the many volunteers who donate their time in support of OCO’s Senior Services Division with a special breakfast in their honor.  Pictured above is OCO’s Phoenix Dining Center Manager, Arlene Slaski greeting volunteers from the Phoenix center.  Seated around the table from left are; Pearle Stoutenger, Mitze Karle, Betty Kirkpatrick, Margaret Wilkinson, Pat Thayer, Linda Palmer, Sharon Harkness, Linda Welch, Shirley Patnode and Ron Patnode.  Absent from the photo are Phoenix volunteers Eva Taillefer and Joyce Young.