Barton Senior Center Volunteers Contribute 10,647 Hours

Barton Senior Center recently honored the many volunteers who assisted the organization during the past year.  At a dinner show and reception, 116 individuals were recognized for volunteering a total of 10,647 hours during the previous 12 months. This outstanding level of volunteer support would be equivalent to more than 5 full-time employees. “Our volunteers are the key to our success,” stated Center Director Tania Gheen. “Without the volunteers, our small staff would never be able to provide the variety of programs, activities and services offered at Barton Center. It is really a win-win, as our volunteers socialize, make friends and have fun, at the same time that they are helping others.”

Recognition was given to new and long-time members. The Westerly Maintenance team was presented with this year’s Charlotte Robertson Award for “Making a Difference” in the lives of our members. Sophie Szymanski volunteered the most time this year with 758 hours. Carol Meermans, Rosemary Faulhaber, Barbara Gurney, Lois Kunzleman and Ursula Randolph were honored for volunteering more than 25 years.

Volunteers assist with every aspect of Barton Center. The transportation group provided a record high 6,188 rides in Lakewood to doctors’ offices, grocery stores, etc., an increasingly important service. Many volunteers worked in the Barton Center office, Hodge Podge resale clothing and furniture shop and the Corner Store. Others served at dinner-shows and birthday luncheons. The Knit and Crochet Class made hats, scarves and gloves. The Fabric Shop donated materials to the Grafton prison. Eye glasses were collected and donated to the Cuyahoga County Library. Clothing and housewares were donated to Dress for Success and Goodwill.    

Community organizations and corporations also provided volunteer and financial support to Barton Center this year including: Cleveland Clinic Lakewood, Eliza Jennings, First Federal Lakewood, Hospice of the Western Reserve, Key Bank, Lakewood Arts Festival, Inc., Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corp, Lakewood Community Services Center, Lakewood High H2O and Rotary Club of Lakewood-Rocky River. To inquire about volunteer opportunities, call Barton Center at 216-221-3400. Barton Center is located on the ground floor of the Westerly Apartments at 14300 Detroit Avenue and is open M-F 9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Read More on Seniors
Volume 12, Issue 10, Posted 3:33 PM, 05.10.2016