May 14 saw the annual Koochiching Aging Options’ volunteer
appreciation luncheon at Lenard’s at the AmericInn in International Falls.
The luncheon is a chance for KAO to give thanks and
appreciation to the folks who drive the mostly volunteer-led services offered
to the community. It is also an opportunity for volunteers to get together and
learn more about one another. Fifteen volunteers representing the Board of
Directors, Groceries to You! and Senior Wheels programs attended the luncheon
where attendees enjoyed a creamy wild rice soup, sandwich buffet and dessert.
During the conversation portion of the luncheon volunteers
discussed numerous topics including the importance of KAO’s services to the
county’s aging population, ACT on Alzheimer’s initiatives and, perhaps most
importantly, why people volunteer. This last discussion topic was especially
thoughtful as volunteers reflected on their own reasons for volunteering.
Answers ranged from: “I like to get off the couch,” to “I feel it is my time to
give back,” to “if I don’t, who will?”
The central point to this discussion of volunteerism was that
overwhelmingly many of our volunteers felt the need to serve—a type of calling
that drove them to give of their time to others. KAO is excited to be one of
the organizations these folks have chosen as a place to help them serve their
community.
As with many of KAO’s events, door prizes were offered and
volunteers had the opportunity to win t-shirts, cooler pouches, beverage
containers and a kitchen utility set. These door prizes were donated by various
organizations.
KAO staff was happy to host the luncheon and repay, in this
small way, the time and energy invested by our volunteers in helping
Koochiching County’s older residents!
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