‘These people literally helped save lives’
Agency honors volunteers for their service
BY JESSICA STEPHEN
jstephen@kenoshanews.com
Chris Nielson didn’t think it would be so hard to find people to drive cancer patients to their treatments — until he tried to do it.
As a member of the American Cancer Society, Nielson had a grant to cover the costs for driving patients to their chemotherapy and radiation treatments. The problem was he couldn’t find enough drivers.
Then he teamed up with the Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services Inc. to develop the Drive for Life program, part of KAFASI’s Volunteer Transportation Service.
“We were able to provide more rides for cancer patients than the American Cancer Society ever imagined,” Nielson said Saturday during a volunteer appreciation breakfast at Gateway Technical College.
At least seven drivers were recognized during the annual awards ceremony, and Nielson applauded their efforts.
“These people literally helped save lives. Without these treatments, the men and women they give these rides to would not have gotten treatment. This program saves lives!” he said.
Hundreds of volunteers
More than 950 volunteers were recognized during the awards ceremony. About 30 volunteers received awards.
“You are clearly the lifeblood of our organization. Without you we could not function. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you,” said Tom Aiello, president of KAFASI.
Ione Kreamer, 94, of Kenosha was honored as the Volunteer of the Year.
“I’ve been volunteering all my life,” said Kreamer, a retired teacher who has been involved with KAFASI for 25 years.
From making quilts for domestic abuse victims’ families to teaching other seniors about what they can do in their later years to contribute to the community, Kreamer said she tries to do something every day to help others.
“If I can’t help someone every day, I might as well pack a bag and go,” she said.
Brick memorials
Volunteers Dave Mink and Sen. Bob Wirch also were honored Saturday. Both received Volunteer Vista bricks, which will be placed at the volunteer memorial along Kenosha’s lakefront.
Wirch was recognized for his work with the Friendly Visitor program, which offers in-home visits and regular phone calls to keep seniors connected. Mink was honored as a longtime volunteer with the Meals on Wheels program.
Their giving spirits flowed through all the volunteers who donated their time and talents this past year, said Lauren Zielsdorf, director of KAFASI’s Meals on Wheels and More program.
Zielsdorf presented many of the awards, which went to people like:
— Tom Powers, who drove 1,774 miles and donated 88½ hours last year to deliver Meals on Wheels.
— Barry Bianco, who taught at-risk youth to install solar heating panels at the Somers Fire Station.
— Erin Decker, who drove more than 5,000 miles last year taking cancer patients to treatments,
— Sally Hayward, who help seniors complete complicated Medicare Part D paperwork.
Boy Scout Alex Stellar was among three young people — including Gina Cairo and Caleb Walford — honored for their volunteer work. Stellar built five cedar benches for the Westosha Community Center.
Students with the Bridges Program at Hillcrest School also were recognized. The school has been helping KAFASI since 1999. Last year, they donated 444½ hours delivering meals.
Ione Kreamer, of Kenosha, was named Volunteer of the Year for Kenosha Area Family and Aging Services during its volunteer recognition ceremony Saturday.
KENOSHANEWS PHOTO BY KEVIN POIRIER
