Our annual Volunteer Appreciation Party was held on Thursday, Sept 24th.

We chose to have the party this year in September as part of a nationwide campaign to focus on volunteerism.

President Obama has declared Sept 11, 2009 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. It is meant as a day to recognize the accomplishments, and honor those who died on September 11, 2001 by volunteering in their memory, and encourage Americans to make an ongoing commitment to service. The hope is that individuals, businesses and organizations will be inspired on their own to voluntarily engage in community service and perform good deeds of any nature, as well as, participate in other private and organized activities in remembrance of the events of 9/11.

Volunteers at Miracle House understand that commitment to service and perform good deeds on a regular basis. Our clients and the Miracle House staff depend upon and truly appreciate those good deeds and commitment.

Two volunteers in particular, Tamiko Hershey and Allan Shurack, will be honored on the 24th,. Both have been critical in the past year helping Miracle House provide services to those in need. Tamiko Hershey, of TamikoDesign, has donated her wonderful graphic design skills many times over the past year. She has designed our annual report, invitations and programs for fundraisers and is currently working on our annual appeal letter. These are all critical elements used by the staff to ensure that Miracle House can continue to provide services to those in need.

Allan Shurack has been instrumental in helping the clients of Miracle House feel comfortable and well-cared for while staying at our apartments. He attends meals with our clients, provides useful information about the city and makes himself available to them if they have any questions. He is dedicated in helping patients and their caregivers get through the struggle with their health. The clients at Miracle House are fortunate to have his thoughtful presence and the staff greatly appreciates the commitment Allan has to volunteer service.

Tamiko and Allan are just two examples of the type pf people that volunteer for Miracle House. There are many others; some just started last month and some have been with us for the last 19 years. All are immensely valuable to the mission and success of Miracle House. We thank you all!