Senior group celebrates volunteers

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(From left) Libni Borras, Peg Gillaspie, Cathy Jordan and Brenda Rauch of the DuPage Senior Citizens Council attend the group’s11th annual Volunteer Celebration last month at the Diplomat West in Elmhurst. The event’s theme was the “Wizard of Oz.” Almost 300 people attended for brunch. | Submitted by DuPage Senior Citizens Council

Updated: October 3, 2011 12:16PM

About 300 people attended the DuPage Senior Citizens Council’s 11th annual Volunteer Celebration last month at the Diplomat West in Elmhurst.

The brunch was celebrated with a “Wizard of Oz” theme and a slogan of “We Do Believe in Volunteers.” Entertainment included Anthony Cassano of “Music for You,” raffle prizes donated by local businesses and service awards.

Eighteen people received “Ambassador Club” recognition for volunteering 250 or more hours in the past 12 months. Awards also were presented for a “Volunteer of the Year” from each of the council’s 12 nutrition sites, and within the categories of “Well Being & Safety” and “Chore Days.”

The council annually honors the many volunteers who help make possible its “Meals on Wheels” program in DuPage County and other services helping senior citizens. Last year, volunteers contributed more than 40,000 hours in support of the agency’s mission.

The council’s volunteers help prepare, package and deliver meals each day to homebound senior citizens throughout the county and provide well-being checks. In addition, volunteers participate in Chore Days six weekends a year, helping elderly residents with yard work and seasonal outdoor chores.

To volunteer, contact Cathy Jordan, DuPage Senior Citizens Council volunteer coordinator, at 630-620-0804 or visit www.dupageseniorcouncil.org.

The DuPage Senior Citizens Council is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3), volunteer driven organization, devoted to enriching senior life. Since 1975, DSCC has been providing a variety of programs and services to help seniors remain in their homes with safety and dignity.