Definition of a volunteer: A person who voluntarily undertakes a willingness to be of service.
I recently had the pleasure of attending a Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at the Tewksbury Senior Center. Little did I realize that there are only eight staff members at the Center. And what a wonderful job they do. But they can’t do it all.
Our elderly citizens rely on the Center for Meals on Wheels, a gift shop, card games and most importantly the social contact that we all require. The staff relies on “volunteers” to help accomplish the many, many activities that happen at the Center.
Tax preparers volunteer their time and knowledge to assist senior citizens get through that very confusing and frightful yearly task. Nurses help keep tabs on our seniors’ health, monitoring their blood pressure, no appointment necessary. Free Reiki sessions with an experienced practitioner aid in well-being, again no appointment required.
Over the last nine months, volunteers in Tewksbury have logged more than 7,600 hours in service of our seniors. Director Jan Conole estimates those hours translate to $86,000 of unpaid work. The Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, funded by a grant, was a way of saying THANK YOU to these selfless and giving individuals.
In addition to the meal, catered by the Tewksbury Country Club, there was fun, including singing and dancing. Tony Funches, former lead singer of the original Platters, entertained with his velvet voice. Tony is seen in our main image with Tewksbury resident Mary DiBella. Lots of memories in those “oldies but goodies”
If you wish to volunteer or would like more information on volunteering, please see opportunities here and contact Diane at 978-640-4480. Thank you to all of our volunteers who keep the center running smoothly ❤️
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