After a four-year wait, Aging and Human Services held its first in-person Volunteer Appreciation event on Oct. 4, welcoming more than 130 AHS volunteers and guests.

This year’s event theme was “Going the Extra Mile.” AHS volunteers who served ten or more hours (July 2022-July 2023) were recognized for their hard work and dedication. Volunteers deliver meals, provide transportation to medical appointments, sort donations in the food pantry, deliver supplies for virtual classes and assist behind the scenes in the office.

Bill and Jan Lunday of Overland Park have been delivering meals for the Home Delivered Meal program for eight years.

“My husband is 87 years old and still drives. We deliver meals together. For some people, we are the only person they see that day. Many of the people we serve are younger than us too,” Jan shared.

Seated with Bill and Jan were their daughter Kim and her husband.

“It’s nice to see other volunteers from the county and connect at today’s event. My parents deliver meals and I drive for the Catch-a-Ride program multiple times a week. As a Catch-a-Ride volunteer, I enjoy seeing Anna Collins, AHS volunteer coordinator, in person today as we normally communicate through the phone and email,” Kim Vering shared.

Libby Scarborough from Johnson County Park and Recreation presented classes on the 50+ travel program “Around Town, Around the World.” In coordination with the theme, each volunteer received a gift related to transportation for their efforts.

Milt and Beryl Magle of Lenexa served at the Johnson County North Central Multi-Service Center food pantry for 15 years. This year they “retired” from volunteering.

“North Central was the best place to volunteer. We love helping people and seeing them smile. It’s our way of giving back,” Beryl said. Their dedication to volunteering has been so significant that for the past six years, they have brought their granddaughter along with them.

Volunteers play a crucial role in the service delivery of many AHS programs. The Catch-a-Ride and Home-Delivered Meals programs are currently in need of volunteers. To learn more, please visit jocogov.org/AHSvolunteers or call 913-715-8859.

All new volunteers attend a general orientation to learn more about the department and volunteer programs along with completing necessary paperwork.