SOUTH POINT — A room full of volunteers turned out Friday morning to help the Foster Grandparents program celebrate 40 years of service to the community.

The volunteers were also recognized for their own service in that program and in the senior companions program. The luncheon was at the Lawrence County Early Childhood Center in South Point.

Both programs are operated through the Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development.

COAD Senior Programs Division Director Gary Goosman said the luncheon and awards ceremony is to “acknowledge the hard work they (volunteers) do. It means a lot to the kids and community and they do it selflessly day in and day out without a lot of fanfare. Once a year we recognize what they’re doing for the community.”

State Representative Ryan Smith thanked the volunteers for making a difference in their communities.

“You give of your time and your talents,” Smith noted. “You are making a difference. Whether you it or not you are making a huge difference.”

Sarah Barrett, of Chesapeake, was honored for 20 years of service to the COAD programs; Doris Bowen of Huntington, W.Va. was honored for 10 years.

Five people were honored for five years of service: Helen Lawson, of Jackson, Pat Bacon and Helen Shore, both of Ironton, and Karen Chaffin and Wanda Heller, both of Scioto County.