Local aging and disability agency honor its volunteers during National Volunteer Month
JACKSON, Tenn. (WNBJ) - The Southwest Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability hosted a luncheon today honoring the organization’s volunteers during the nationwide observance of Volunteer Month.
“Volunteers are the groundwork of the MyRide program and make a huge difference in the quality of life in our older adults,” said Glenda Temple, the Administrative Assistant with the Southwest Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability.
The administrative assistant with the Southwest Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability explains why they are honoring its volunteers.
“April is actually National Volunteer Month throughout the United States. The actual week of April 17th through the 23rd is designated as a week where you want to recognize the volunteers in Tennessee. As I mentioned, we have over 9,000 volunteers across the state of Tennessee,” said Temple.
The organization recognized volunteers with the MyRide West TN service, Meals on Wheels program, public guardianship, and ombudsman services.
One volunteer with the MyRide West TN service talks about what motivated him to get involved with the program.
“I asked the Lord. Lord, I want to have a ministry that I can do that would help people. I had been in education for forty-five years and so I enjoyed being around people. I said bingo that’s what I need to be in. I want to do that and that was five years ago. I am on my 965 rides, trying to get to a thousand,” said Dan Hylkema, a MyRideTN volunteer.
One MyRide rider highly recommends the program and is grateful for the service.
“I’ve been in the MyRide program for about two years. They are the most courteous people. They come to the door. They pick me up, take me to my destination, and bring me home. They are just perfect, like I said I just can't say enough good things,” said Janie Lewis, a MyRideTN rider.
If you are interested in becoming a rider or volunteer with the Southwest Tennessee Area Agency on Aging and Disability, you are urged to call (731) 668 – 6420 or visit their website.
