LAKEVILLE — Lakeville Senior Center Staff recently took a moment to recognize everything that the Council on Aging’s volunteers– all 97 of them– do on a day-to-day basis. 

At the center’s annual volunteer luncheon on April 25, held at Loon Pond Lodge at Ted Williams Camp, the message was about heart and thanking all of those who donate their time and energy into making the Lakeville Council on Aging a place that supports seniors in a variety of ways. 

Of the 97 invitations sent out for the luncheon, 58 volunteers attended. 

In helping with the day-to-day operations of the senior center, volunteers are “extremely important” said Council on Aging Director Fahey. “We couldn’t do what we do here on a daily basis without their help.” 

There are three full-time employees at the COA: Fahey, Administrative Assistant Cheryl Walters and Office Clerk Victoria Allen.

Volunteers help the team of three with everything big and small, from providing food and medical services to putting together goodie bags that make residents’ holiday’s just a little bit brighter, said Fahey. 

The center’s medical transportation team, meals on wheels drivers and packagers, kitchen help, library organizers, instructors and health insurance counselors from S.H.I.N.E., an organization that assists residents with health insurance needs once they turn 65, are all volunteers, explained Fahey.

The COA board members and Friends of the Lakeville Council on Aging, a fundraising group for the senior center, are also volunteer-based, she said. 

Some have been volunteering for over 16 years, she noted.

Cheryl Walters, who works closely with a lot of the volunteers, shared a quote during the event that honoring the dedication of those who strive to make a difference without financial reward. The quote by DeAnn Hollis was as follows: "The Heart of a Volunteer is not measured in size, but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others."

Fahey also took a moment to express her gratitude to the crowd during her speech. “I am amazed day to day by the volume of volunteers we have here at the COA and all they are able to accomplish,” she said. “Together, we make a great team. For this, I am truly thankful.” 

As a parting gift, volunteers received a heart-shaped ornament with the words “never forget the difference you make” engraved on it.