“Our Appreciation for You Grows and Grows” was the theme of the Dec. 18 city of Phoenix Volunteer Recognition luncheon, honoring more than 750 senior citizens for their volunteer services at the city’s 17 Human Services Department senior centers.
Each senior volunteered at least 35 hours at his/her center. This year, 757 volunteers logged 151,958 hours equaling $1,048,509 worth of services.
    Through the city’s senior programs, volunteers provide support services for older adults such as greeting participants, serving meals, assisting office staff, facilitating activities and planning trips.
    North Central senior centers boasted thousands of volunteer hours in 2008, including: Devonshire Senior Center, with 14,396 hours; Shadow Mountain Senior Center, with 10,010; and The Sunnyslope Senior Center, with accumulated 1,678 volunteer hours after re-opening at the end of October.
    The recognition event is hosted annually by the city’s Human Services Department Senior Services Division with sponsorship this year by Humana, which covered the entire cost of the event. It included an awards presentation, lunch, dance music and entertainment, as was held at the Arizona Grand Resort, 7777 S. Pointe Parkway West.