Local Volunteers Recognized

Without the help of local volunteers, various entities in this community could not function and many people who need help would not be able to receive it. Those who devote their time to the community and its residents were recognized Friday at the 27th annual Volunteer Day Celebration, which included a ceremony at , followed by a luncheon at the . 

The event, co-sponsored by  and the Area Community Council, included comments from local leaders.

"Without the volunteers, almost every social service entity in this city would be in deep trouble, and I applaud each and every one of you for all the good things that you do for all the organizations you help," state Rep. George T. Ross said. "You are the big shining stars in Attleboro."  

Winners of the high school and middle school essay contests read their pieces on their volunteer experiences. Middle school contest winner Abbey McGarth, an eighth-grader at , wrote her about volunteering at a soup kitchen with her church. High School winner Jessica Mahoney, a junior at , wrote about teaching computer lessons to a man named Ed at .

"I was in awe that a man so advanced in age would still want to continue learning, yet there are so many young people today who just waste opportunities as if they have all the time in the world," Mahoney read out loud from her essay. 

She continued, "He helped me realize that learning new things will always be available if I just keep my mind open to all the possibilities."

Mahoney and McGarth received $1,000 savings bonds.

Also placing in the contest were Bishop Feehan juniors Cassandra Naimie (high school second place, $500 savings bond) and Shannon Lamy (high school honorable mention, $200 savings bond) as well as Wamsutta sixth-grader Meghan Lancaster (middle school second place, $500 savings bond) and sixth-grader Erin Bowie (middle school honorable mention, $200 savings bond).

The following agencies and organizations were recognized for their contribution to the community:

• Arnold L. Anderson House for Girl Scouts
• Attleboro Area Council for Children
• Attleboro Area Council of Churches
• Attleboro Arts Museum
• Attleboro Auxiliary Police Unit
• Attleboro Council on Aging
• Attleboro Emergency Management Agency
• Attleboro Fireworks Committee
• Attleboro Girl Scouts of R.I. Council
• Attleboro Historic Preservation Society
• Attleboro Public Library
• Attleboro Public Schools
• Attleboro YMCA
• Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks No. 1014
• Bi-County Collaborative
• Bristol Elder Services
• Bristol Norfolk Medical Reserve Corps
• Christmas Is For Kids
• Community Care Services
• Community VNA
• Epoch Senior Living of Norton
• Council on Aging in Mansfield
• Friends of Attleboro Animal Shelter
• Greater Attleboro Women of Today
• H.E.A.T Inc.
• Hebron Food Pantry
• HESSCO Elder Services
• Lenore's Pantry at North Attleboro Board of Health
• Mansfield Council on Aging
• National Shrine of Our Lady of LaSalette
• New Hope Inc.
• Nine Lives of Norton Feline Rescue Shelter Inc.
• North Attleboro Council on Aging
• North Attleborough Historical Society
• Rehoboth Council on Aging
• Seekonk Human Services
• Self Help Inc.
• Sensata Technologies Community Relations Team
• St. Vincent De Paul Society - District of Attleboro
• Sturdy Memorial Hospital Volunteer & Student Services
• The Arc of Northern Bristol County
• The Literacy Center
• The North Attleborough Fire Barn Preservation Society
• The Salvation Army
• United Way of Greater Attleboro/Taunton