Laura Voth: “You, our volunteers, are a vital part of our goal of bringing the outside in, maintaining important connections, of reducing loneliness, of creating fun, of giving something to look forward to every day.  Through every small or large volunteer act, you are planting seeds of kindness for the Lord."

In a separate story viewers will find a report on the April 5 Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio volunteer appreciation banquet.

Here’s some of the more personal aspects of the program:

 Over 140 volunteers responded to the banquet invitation.

This year’s theme was “Plant the Seeds of Kindness.”  Special Occasions from Upper Sandusky catered the meal, which was topped off with decorated cookies by Bluffton resident, Paula Luginbill.

More than 400 volunteers donated nearly 7,000 hours of service in 2016.  Volunteers from each of the four communities of MHCO were represented:
• Mennonite Memorial Home
• Hilty Home
• Maple Crest
• Willow Ridge

The banquet featured entertainment by the Bluffton High School Chamber Choir, led by Kara Zink.  The choir shared a capella versions of well-known songs such as “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” a barbershop style medley and classics like “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.”

Following the meal, MHCO activities leaders Debbie Mohr, Dee Steffen and Neil Morrison invited volunteers to acknowledge if they participated in a particular activity through a creative interactive story.

Some of the volunteer activities mentioned included traditional events such as calling Bingo, driving elders to appointments, folding newsletters and delivering mobile meals.

The more unique activities included measuring fish at the annual fishing derby, husking sweet corn, cleaning aviaries and painting fingernails.

Mohr said that while these tasks provide a great support to the staff, an even greater benefit is the personal interaction, the friendly smiles and the relationships established with the elders.

She added that volunteers also find great satisfaction and a personal blessing through the interactions they have with elders.

Laura Voth, MHCO CEO congratulated volunteers for their passion about ensuring the quality of life for those who live within the communities of MHCO

 Voth add: “You, our volunteers, are a vital part of our goal of bringing the outside in, maintaining important connections, of reducing loneliness, of creating fun, of giving something to look forward to every day.  Through every small or large volunteer act, you are planting seeds of kindness for the Lord. For that we are grateful!”              

Persons interested in volunteering at MHCO, may call the volunteer coordinator at 419-358-1015, ext. 248.