More than 1,000 senior citizens who volunteered at least 100 hours last year were thanked Thursday for contributing to an estimated $5.7 million the county saves through seniors? philanthropic efforts.
More than 13,600 seniors volunteered at county schools, libraries, senior centers, blood drives, hospitals, fire and police departments last year, logging 312,000 hours and saving the organizations what officials said is $18.39 an hour. County Executive Jim Smith, several County Council members, state delegates and officials from the county?s Department of Aging host the annual lunch to thank them.
“All together, we are moving forward, young and old, new residents and people who have deep roots,” Smith said. “No group embodies this renewed spirit [better] than Baltimore County?s senior citizens.”
The luncheon, held at Martin?s Westin Woodlawn, was sponsored by the county?s business community, and Maxim Healthcare Services was given special recognition for making sure flu shots were available for the county?s seniors two years ago during a serious shortage.
Eighteen “golden volunteers” logged 1,000 or more hours last year helping nonprofits or government agencies.
Joan and Bill Kuehn volunteer for the Representative Payee program, which helps to ensure seniors get the Social Security money to which they are entitled. The couple help their contemporaries pay bills on time, offer financial advice and just offer to visit for “companionship once a month,” to many of their clients who have dementia and other mental illnesses.
A self-described “party girl,” Irene Zmijewski said she volunteers planning festivities at the Overlea Fuller senior center and helps in the emergency room at Franklin Square making patients comfortable.
“It makes you feel good,” she said. “I?m helping someone, even if I just give them a glass of water.”
County Aging Director Arnold Eppel said the county is about to begin drafting comprehensive plans for the county?s assisted living facilities, hospices and nursing homes in the event of a major disaster. He also called on seniors to continue serving as the county implements a program that will place a trained volunteer in every kindergarten classroom.
