Who donates 42,521 hours, 80,738 miles for an in-kind donation amount of $465,579,25 and changes countless lives? The volunteers of Waupaca County, that’s who. Because of their dedication to our communities, many homebound seniors get to see a friendly face at least once a week.
During this volunteer appreciation week, Kristine Wiegman, volunteer coordinator at Waupaca County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Kim Ebert, New London’s Senior Center coordinator, appreciate their volunteers a little more than usual.
“We have a nice meal of roast beef and mashed potatoes, plus a big cake and refreshments for everyone. It wouldn’t be complete without some music, and the Hortonville Middle School Jazz Band is happy to accommodate,” says Ebert.
Wiegman says that each and every one of the volunteers make a difference. “We couldn’t do Meals on Wheels without them, or many other programs set up with volunteer manpower.”
There are approximately 700 Waupaca County DHHS volunteers who happily deliver meals to the homebound, serve at a nutrition site, oversee the financial welfare of seniors by being a guardian, or kindly assist with office projects, register clients at health clinics, drive others to appointments, or coordinate meal drivers. Others energetically teach fitness classes and lovingly send out cards to offer sympathy or congratulations.
Next time you see a volunteer at work around Waupaca County, be sure to thank them.