Libertyville senior earns statewide honor for community service
An 83-year-old Libertyville woman has been honored as the Illinois winner of the Home Instead Senior Care network’s Salute to Senior Service’s award.
Doreen Lagoni is being recognized for her dedicated community service, including her work for Bear Magic in Lake County.
The Salute to Senior Service program was launched this year by the Home Instead Senior Care network to honor seniors’ commitments to their causes and communities. As one of 50 state winners, Lagoni earned a spot in the Salute to Senior Service Wall of Fame on the SalutetoSeniorService.com website, where her nomination story also has been posted.
In her work with Bear Magic, Lagoni collects and organizes the distribution of teddy bears and Beanie Babies to foster children in Lake County. She also collects and delivers bears all over the world to nearly 2,000 children. Since the organization was founded, Lagoni has orchestrated the delivery of more than 65,000 bears and toys to children in need.
“Doreen is a valued member of the community and a senior hero to many,” said Jeff Huber, president and chief operating officer of Home Instead Inc.
“She has shown that volunteer opportunities for older adults should not diminish because of age. Seniors such as Doreen are making important contributions to their communities through charities, nonprofit organizations and faith communities.”
As a state winner, Lagoni was considered for the national Salute to Senior Service award. The national award was presented to Clark Paradise of Lakewood, N.J., who was honored for his work with Your Grandmother’s Cupboard, a nonprofit organization he and his wife founded to meet the needs of the thousands of homeless families throughout New Jersey and parts of Pennsylvania.
A $5,000 gift will be donated by Home Instead, Inc., franchiser of the Home Instead Senior Care network, to the national winner’s nonprofit charity of choice.
For more information about the Home Instead Senior Care network’s Salute to Senior Service program, visit SalutetoSeniorService.com.