The Western Reserve Outreach Center / Salvation Army had a volunteer appreciation reception April 21 for all of Summit County services, and the "Volunteer of the Year" award for Summit County went to John Curry of the service location in Twinsburg.
Curry has been on the Board of Trustees of the WROC at different times for more than 30 years. Currently, he is there daily as the service coordinator, transportation driver and fill-in receptionist. Notably, Curry is a friend and counselor to many. He encourages seniors as well as youth.
Curry, a longtime resident of Twinsburg, has been involved in many capacities at the Western Reserve Outreach Center, now one of the seven "service unit locations" in the county. He and his wife, Loretta, have four sons and a daughter.
Other volunteers were honored as well, including outreach center Trustees Robert Gaines, Greg Glover, Nell Harris and Gussie Wyche, as well as two teachers from Dodge Intermediate School, Jennifer Miller and Trish Johnson.
Additionally, other volunteers from Dodge Intermediate School were recognized April 21 for their work in the last five years in youth programming. The faculty at Dodge have supported free youth programs. They have made personal donations of money for supplies and dance over the years under the leadership of Principal Barbara Werstler. Johnson and Miller have coordinated the programs for the last few years. They offer monthly socials "Girl Time" and "Boy Time" which include crafts, snacks and socialization with teachers, instructional aides and administrators.
This summer, the Dodge staff again will volunteer with a weekly drop-in program. The staff is planning a garden, crafts, book club and lunch. Adult volunteers and teens needing THS community hours are welcome all summer or for one afternoon. Donations are needed to enhance the activities and purchase food.
For information on volunteer and materials needed for the summer program, call the center at 330-425-4432, or write a check to the Salvation Army / WROC Summer Youth Program. The center is located at 8776 Harvard Road, Twinsburg Township. For information and a flyer, call the center at 330-425-4432.