Ecumen Lakeshore’s Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

DULUTH, Minn – Thursday night, Ecumen Lakeshore Assisted Living Facility who are known for being active in their community.

More than 150 residents who reside at Ecumen deliver meals to housebound seniors and perform various forms of volunteering.

The meal delivery program started in 1972 by a former Paster and is something hundreds of seniors rely on.

Thursday’s Volunteer Appreciation Dinner was a chance to recognize their contributions.

“Many of our clients have a really big need for the home delivered meals program,” said Jana Warner, an Ecumen Senior Living consultant. “So without that program, some of them couldn’t continue to living in their homes. Even just the visit from a volunteer everyday is important to them. People are lonely and it’s good to have at least just one connection to the community. One volunteer told me we have to volunteer because we have to take care of each other. He said I might be in need some day. I’m hoping that there is people that will continue to do volunteerism, which kind of says it all.”

Residents have several groups who volunteer in the community and also work to improve life for other residents at Ecumen.

The public is encourages to volunteer alongside residents.