In 2016 over 400 volunteers donated nearly 7,000 hours of service at Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio, Bluffton.

Those volunteers were recognized at MHCO’s appreciation banquet April 5 at Ebenezer Mennonite Church.

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Volunteers from each of the four MHCO communities were represented. Those include Mennonite Memorial Home, Hilty Home, Maple Crest and Willow Ridge.

CLICK HERE to read some of the more personal aspects of the program.

“In comparison to other retirement communities our size, we have a remarkable volunteer program. It is one of the things that makes us different from our competitors, both for-profit and non-profit,” said Laura Voth, CEO of MHCO.

Voth offered three reasons why people are invited to volunteer at MHCO:  “You will be blessed, we need you and our elders need you.”

She added that volunteering is at the core of MHCO’s success. In the early years of MHCO’s 60-plus year history, volunteers did everything from canning and freezing food to making curtains.

She said that while volunteers no longer perform these activities, today there are many other opportunities for volunteers.          

“New volunteers are always welcome,” said Chris Moser, Director of Fund Development and Church Relations. Benji Bergstrand, who will begin as MHCO’s new volunteer coordinator in mid-April, was introduced at the banquet.

Persons interested in being part of MHCO volunteer program may contact Bergstrand at 419-358-1015, ext. 248.