Leona Wonacott serves as a volunteer and board member at the Buchanan Area Senior Center, which offers services, programs and activities for older adults in the greater Buchanan area. It is located at 810 Rynearson St., in Buchanan. Contact the center by phone at (269) 695-7119.

How did you get involved with the Buchanan Area Senior Center?

My husband was the food inspector for Berrien County. I think it was him that said something first about it, that the center was there and the different activities that it offered. I started coming up here and helped volunteer in the kitchen for big events and whatever else at first. I drive people to doctor’s appointments on occasion. It is just about doing anything that needs to get done.

How long have you been volunteering there?

About three to four years.

What do you do for the Buchanan Area Senior Center?

I am on the board, but I don’t hold an office.

I do the crafts that go on the Christmas tree here. There is a large Christmas tree that was donated a number of years ago. Each month we pick a different theme for it. This month it is decorated like a bride’s cake. It has pictures of brides and grooms that may have been here the last 30, 40 or 50 years. People get to guess who is who. It looks like different layers of a wedding cake and is kind of cute.

It gives people something different to talk about. A lot of times people ask what the theme is going to be. They get a lot of enjoyment out of it. It has been enjoyable for them and enjoyable for me.

There are a lot of good people here. It is a very good social unit here that a lot more people should take advantage of.

Why do you think it is important to volunteer?

It is needed. We could all use a lot more volunteers whether it is for seniors or senior centers. There are a lot of people that just need rides to doctor’s appointments or just need somebody to be with them for an hour. If you can make someone laugh each day that is good for both ends.

 

Do you know a volunteer worthy of recognition? Nominate him or her as the Volunteer of the Week by emailing Craig Haupert, community editor, at craig.haupert@leaderpub.com, or calling him at (269) 687-7720.