Chestnut Knoll recently said “thank you” to all their volunteers with a special recognition breakfast. Chestnut Knoll Personal Care held a Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast for its longtime volunteers on Tuesday, July 19 at 9:30 a.m.
“We are unable to say thanks enough to our volunteers,” said Shawn Barndt, executive director. “They help to bring many ‘extras’ to the residents of the facility, which further enhances everyone’s quality of life. Volunteers help with tasks such as delivering newspapers along with a friendly hello and conversation; riding along and assisting on off-site trips, like baseball games, going out to restaurants and shopping; and assist with running programs, such as bake shop, art class and church programs.”
Chestnut Knoll is proud to have so many dedicated volunteers and this breakfast was just one way of thanking them for the kindness and devotion they give each day to the senior residents. Volunteers enjoyed a delicious breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage, home fries, fruit-filled pancakes, Danish and fresh fruit. In addition, residents made gifts for the volunteers, which were mason jars filled with a tag that reads: “You are out of this world,” and includes candy that fits the theme, such as Milky Way bars and Orbit gum.
“Our residents worked really hard to make the gifts and I think the volunteers will appreciate that the residents made them,” said Paulette Flurer, customer care coordinator and volunteer coordinator. “This breakfast is a really nice event and gives us a chance to thank our volunteers for all they do.”
Mae Fern Houck, who represents St John’s Church, has been volunteering since Chestnut Knoll opened in 2000. She said that Chestnut Knoll staff and volunteers are all very blessed to be able to serve in such a wonderful community as Chestnut Knoll, and blessed that we have such a nice community to care for our residents.
Gloria Frankhauser has been a volunteer since 2013, helping the Memory Care residents in the dining room.
“I volunteer because it is a rewarding, nice thing to do,” she said. “I enjoy my time with the residents and socializing with them. I try to understand their problems and try to brighten their day.”
“We are thrilled to have so many dedicated volunteers,” said Barndt. “They often are the icing on the cake so to speak, meaning they add the extra-special, final touch to our programs that help to complete us and make Chestnut Knoll a premier senior living setting.”
For more information, about Chestnut Knoll and the services they provide to seniors, or about how to become a volunteer, please call 610-473-8066.
