Decatur, IL - McKinley Court Care Centre

On Wednesday, April 13th, McKinley Court honored the many volunteers that come in to help make our community a wonderful place to live.  From outside organizations and individuals to family members of residents, there is a large group that regularly volunteers for a variety of activities and programs. 
The volunteers were invited to a luncheon where they were given small gifts of appreciation and were entertained with a live, musical performance.  Pam Erwin, Program Director, announced each volunteer as she passed out the gifts and thanked each one personally.  On hand for the ceremony, was Gwen Riddle from Kingdom Come Ministries.  This local church has a program called "Generation Impact", which engages young adolescents with seniors within the community.  The teens make regular visits with the residents of McKinley and even help operate the General Store/Gift Shop.
Another volunteer, Steve Bingamon, has family ties to our community.  His mother, Imogene, has lived at McKinley for 6 years.  Steve, who retired from the Decatur Fire Department 2 years ago, visits his mother almost daily and can often be found having lunch or dinner with her in the dining room.  He also volunteers at least 4 days a week by helping other residents with activities. "Throughout the 6 years my mother has been here,  I have never had a complaint with the service she has received.  McKinley Court has treated her exceptionally well."
Other family members and even past residents, happily donate their time to McKinley Court.  Carol Carter and Carmon Collins are sisters-in-law who help with Bingo every Wednesday.  Carol's mother has been living at McKinley Court for 11 years and like Steve Bingamon, has never had a complaint with the service she and her mother have received.  Her sister-in-law, Carmon, was actually a short term resident who received physical therapy at McKinley after undergoing hip replacement surgery.  She was a resident for 3 months and said of her stay, "The physical therapy was excellent and everyone was so attentive to my personal needs."  She and Carol both agree that they get just as much out of volunteering as the residents who receive their attention. "We really enjoy putting smile on people's faces."
McKinley Court is grateful for the many volunteers who help make our community such a wonderful place to live and work.  If you are interested in being a volunteer at McKinley Court, please contact Pam Erwin at 217-875-0020.