Barton Senior Center Volunteers Contribute 25,718 Hours

Barton Senior Center recently honored the many volunteers who assisted the organization during the past year. At a dinner show and reception, 216 individuals were recognized for volunteering a total of 25,718 hours during the previous 12 months. This was an increase of 2,722 hours or 12% more than the previous year. This astounding level of volunteer support would be equivalent to 12 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. Twenty-one individuals received a name badge for volunteering an initial 62 hours at the center, while 51 members have been participating at that annual level for more than five years. Eleanor French was presented with this year’s Charlotte Robertson Award for “making a difference”. The three longest serving volunteers, Carol Meermans, Rosemary Faulhaber and Dorothy Belgrave were recognized for a combined 94 years of service.

Volunteers assist with every aspect of Barton Center. The transportation group provided 5,937 rides in Lakewood to doctors’ offices, grocery stores, etc. This service has become even more important due to cutbacks in bus service. Many volunteers worked in the Barton Center office and shops such as Hodge Podge resale clothing and furniture, Corner Store, Book Nook, Greenhouse, Ceramics and Fabric Shoppe. Others served at dinner-shows and birthday luncheons attended by over 2,000 last year. One class assembled old greeting cards into picture books for young students at Lakewood Catholic Academy and St. Mary’s Church. Another group crafted greeting cards for hospice patients. The Knit and Crochet Class made hats, scarves, gloves and collected food for Lakewood Community Services Center. Eyeglasses were collected and donated to the Cuyahoga County Library. Clothing and house wares were donated to Goodwill. A USO letter-writing campaign resulted in 3,308 supportive cards and letters sent to military personnel around the world.

Corporations and community organizations also provided volunteer support to Barton Center including: Lakewood High H2O, Lakewood Community Services Center, Vets on Wheels, Key Bank, Hospice of the Western Reserve, Kohl’s and Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corp. 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 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Read More on Seniors
Volume 8, Issue 9, Posted 9:55 PM, 05.01.2012