Volunteers share craft-making with other seniors

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, October 7, 2003

Sometimes, it is not just one volunteer that makes a difference, but an entire group of citizens who selflessly donate their time.

That is the way it is at the Ironton Senior Center, as far as site manager Connie Lake is concerned, as she talks about the volunteers who make some of the activities at the center possible.

For about the past two years, a group of five local women visit every Tuesday to teach the senior citizens how to make a variety of crafts, Lake said.

The activity began when someone from the Family Guidance Center would visit to teach craft-making and this group came in to assist her.

But because of budget cuts and tough financial times, that service was discontinued. But that has not stopped Norma Harrison, June Delawder, Freda Carpenter, Lila French and Nell Rose Hern from continuing to visit every week.

"They are super," Lake said of the group. "The seniors' interest in craft-making is what comes first with these ladies. They have worked with the seniors to make some super crafts."

The volunteers learn ideas at the Jeffersonville Missionary Baptist Church, and then come to the senior center to share those projects. They like to recycle ordinary things and make them into something special.

From scarecrows out of bleach bottles and milk jugs to rabbits made of old washcloths to Christmas wreaths made of plastic bags, you name it and they have probably made it, Delawder said.

Then, they sell the crafts to help buy more supplies.

Every senior seemed to like making the various crafts.

"I enjoy doing it," Agnes Lightner said. "I try not to drag in here late so I don't miss them."

But, the volunteers said they enjoy it as much as anyone else.

"The fellowship is great," Harrison, a Coal Grove resident, said. "And the people, too, because we are seniors, too."

"They are a good group to work with. We enjoy working with them and I think they enjoy working with us because when we don't make it, they wonder about us," Delawder said. "The seniors are what keeps this going."

The volunteers also work with several seniors from Tri-State Industries Inc. who visit each week. They agree that this is special in itself.

"When they make something, they are so pleased with themselves," Delawder said. "It is very rewarding to know you helped them make something."

Harrison agreed.

"We really do enjoy working with those Tri-State Industry kids," she said. "They come in with a big smile on their faces and enjoy it so much."