Phoenix Honors 600 Senior Citizens For Volunteer Efforts

May 15, 2001

More than 600 senior citizens were honored by the city of Phoenix at a recent luncheon for volunteering at least 40 hours each in the past year at their respective senior centers. This year about 1,100 volunteers logged approximately 135,000 hours at the city's 17 Human Services Department senior centers, equaling about $693,674 in services. Through the city's senior programs, volunteers provide support services for older adults such as greeters and fund raisers, meal servers and office assistants, activities and trip planners and teachers for various classes.

"Because of the enthusiastic volunteer efforts of these seniors, our senior centers are able to offer more diverse, numerous and creative activities and programs," said Doris Marshall, Phoenix Human Services Department deputy director. "Many of these seniors have attended a center for 10 to 15 years and call it their home away from home."

The city's senior centers provide people, 60 years or older or adults with disabilities, with senior services including nutrition programs; group meals; educational opportunities; recreation and social activities; and information, referral, advocacy, transportation and counseling/casework services. A calendar of events and menus are available from each center.

The event is sponsored by the city's Human Services Department Senior Services Division and includes an awards ceremony presented by Phoenix Mayor Skip Rimsza, lunch and dance music by the Paul Stubblefield All Stars. For more information about the city's senior citizen programs, call 602-262-7379 or visit cityofphoenix.org/CITZASST/srcenter.html on the Internet.

Media Contact:

Marcie Colpas Pager

602-262-6164 602-201-7350