The Commercial-News, Danville, IL

Local News

Related Photos

  • Matt Huber

    CRIS relies on help from volunteers

Discussion

May 30, 2008

CRIS relies on help from volunteers

Each has own reason for being involved

BY BARBARA GREENBERG

DANVILLE — Sometimes, there’s a simple solution to a complicated problem.

Veronica Martin, CRIS Senior Center’s director of nutrition, grapples each week with scheduling home-delivered meals that CRIS provides throughout Vermilion County. At times, CRIS staff members or their families have to drive the routes when no one else is available.

“We have 12 routes that we deliver three times a week in Danville,” Martin said. “We also deliver in Rankin, Hoopeston, Georgetown, Ridge Farm and in the rural areas — we serve people in all four corners of Vermilion County. That’s over 700 home-delivered meals each week.”

The idea for how to solve this logistic nightmare, especially with gas prices continuing their upward spiral, turned out to be right in front of her. She presented it at a volunteer appreciation luncheon that CRIS held Thursday.

“Ed Cannavan has delivered meals on the east side of town, our Route 7, for years. That includes the VA and the senior apartments out there.

“He’s more or less adopted that route,” Martin said.

“Now we’re asking that others do the same. Whether it’s an individual, a church, a group or an organization, if they could each adopt one route for a year, it would make it so much smoother for us.

“One person in a group could take one route for one hour one day every week, or they could divide it up however they wanted.”

For some of those attending the Thursday luncheon, volunteering is a family activity.

Joanna Miller, her brother Patrick Mack and Miller’s daughter, Jacy, all deliver meals for CRIS. Now that school is out, Jacy looks forward to making more frequent trips.

“I can do it two or three times a week now,” the Oakwood High School junior said. “The people we deliver to are really nice. They enjoy having someone come to see them.”

It takes volunteers to pack the meals, which are delivered three days a week. Two frozen meals are provided for the two days without deliveries.

For the past two years, Rita Prouty has been one of those who pack the meals. The former head cashier for Woodbury’s and her fellow volunteer, Judy Wakeland, team up from about 8-10:30 a.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays to get the job done.

“I love being with people,” Prouty said. “After 23 years at Woodbury’s, I had to do something after I left. I volunteer at Provena, too.”

People at each table of honorees had their own reasons for donating their time. But one couple had a unique result.

Kenneth and Georgia Parmley renewed acquaintances as volunteers at CRIS’ congregant meal site in Ridge Farm. They met one another years ago when Kenneth’s now-deceased wife worked with Georgia.

“Neither of us was looking for a companion,” Kenneth said, “but the Lord has a way of doing things. I thank him for it.”

Since their February wedding, the couple continues volunteering at the site.

“We couldn’t do this without volunteers,” Martin said. “They allow us to have our nutrition program for seniors.

“The need for services is growing and budgets are shrinking. Our nation relies on volunteers more and more.”

FYI

For more information on CRIS’ nutrition program for seniors, call 443-2999.



Text Only
Local News
  • Tropical Storm Beryl strengthens, nears U.S. coast

    Tropical Storm Beryl was wrecking some Memorial Day weekend plans on Sunday, causing shoreline campers to pack up and head inland and leading to the cancellation of some events as the storm approached the southeastern U.S.

    May 27, 2012

  • CASA seeks volunteers

    May 27, 2012

  • Classes transition online

    May 27, 2012

  • AmyandRomanSchweizer1.jpg Dad welcomes baby — while a world away

    Like most fathers, Brandun Schweizer wanted to witness his first child’s birth. There was just one problem, however — he was thousands of miles away in Afghanistan.

    May 27, 2012 2 Photos

  • Veterans ask people to pause

    Although the Memorial Day weekend is a time for picnics and pool parties, veterans’ groups hope people pause to remember those who gave their lives in the line of duty, as well as others who have died.

    May 27, 2012

  • Martha Stewart learns family’s roots

    Television viewers have been treated to two series lately dealing with genealogy.

    May 27, 2012

  • Haiti touches her heart Haiti touches her heart

    Janis Ostiguy of Danville experiences many emotions each time she visits Haiti — sadness at the poverty, happiness with the children, warmth for the people and their spirit.

    May 27, 2012 3 Photos

  • Turtles return to race

    Collected turtles are being fed fruits, meat and vegetables and will be ready to go for the 48th Annual Turtle Races.

    May 27, 2012

  • Hiker’s heart is in America's Highlands

    Robert Burns, the immortal Scottish poet, once wrote, “My heart’s in the Highlands, my heart is not here; my heart’s in the Highlands, a’chasing the wild deer; a’chasing the wild deer, and following the roe; my heart’s in the Highlands, wherever I go.”

    May 27, 2012

  • Posters recall Cannon’s 1880 opponent Posters recall Cannon’s 1880 opponent

    In 1980, John Mendenhall found three 1880 J. R. Scott campaign posters in a home he was restoring.

    May 27, 2012 1 Photo