Volunteers have played a vital role at Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio (MHCO) since Mennonite Memorial Home first opened in Bluffton in 1955.  The importance of those volunteers is appreciated daily, and especially on National Day of Service, which is Saturday, Jan. 19.

In 2012 MHCO had over 250 volunteers who provided more than 7,176 hours of volunteer service between Mennonite Memorial Home, Maple Crest and Willow Ridge, according to Mary Ann Ring, director of  volunteer services.

This was an increase of nearly 1,000 hours over the total 2011 volunteer hours. With the recent addition of Hilty Home in Pandora to the MHCO family of communities, that number will go even higher.  

The foundation of volunteering stems from The Service Group of MHCO, which has roots that go back to a time when Mennonite Memorial Home was only in the planning stages. 

The Service Group of today is an active group of men and women who contribute time and monetary resources to MHCO. MHCO’s special group of volunteers also includes many other men and women and boys and girls in Bluffton and surrounding communities, Bluffton University and elders who live at MHCO. 

The MHCO volunteers provide service in many capacities such as leading Bible studies and worship services, fingernail spas, transportation, visiting with elders, delivering mail, delivering snacks, helping with events and much more. 

“MHCO wishes to thank all volunteers, past and present, for their acts of service that have provided so much joy to our elders and welcome assistance to our staff,” said Ring.

“Volunteering is a great way to make a difference while helping others.  As a volunteer, you'll contribute meaningful service to the elders who live with us as well as our staff,” said Daren Lee, Director of Maple Crest Senior Living Village and MMH Independent Living.

He continued: “With many diverse volunteering opportunities in our volunteer program, there is certain to be something available to fit all schedules and personalities. 

“Each of our volunteers helps deliver the benefits of strong connections, greater self-confidence and a sense of security to our elders and to themselves. When you volunteer at MHCO, you take an active role in making a positive change right here in our own community.” 

For more information on how you could volunteer at MHCO, contact Mary Ann Ring, (419) 358-1015, ext. 248.