Marklund to recognize, celebrate its volunteers

Marklund will recognize National Volunteer Week with its annual Volunteer Celebration on Friday, April 24, at Marklund Hyde Center, 1S450 Wyatt Drive, Geneva. hors d'oeuvres will be served at 6 p.m., dinner is at 7 p.m., and the program, awards and grand raffle take place starting at 8 p.m.

As a special aspect of this year's dinner, the parents of a Marklund resident will address the group about what a difference volunteers have made in the life of their child.

Three major awards will be presented including: 2008 Volunteer of the Year, 2008 Group of the Year, and the 2008 Most Volunteer Hours.

"This fabulous annual dinner is a way for our staff and residents to give back to all our volunteers," said Cathy Nikrandt, volunteer manager at Marklund. "They provide priceless help throughout the year."

In 2008 alone, 431 volunteers visited Marklund 9,317 times accumulating 36,161 hours throughout three sites: Marklund Hyde Center in Geneva, Marklund Philip Center for Children in Bloomingdale, and the Marklund Resale Store in Wood Dale.

Marklund's mission is to provide compassionate care and services to infants, children and adults with severe developmental disabilities through 24-hour nursing care, and a full range of therapeutic and educational programs. Not only is the staff at Marklund essential to the quality care of Marklund clients, but volunteers are vital to its success as well. Day-to-day activities as well as special events need the support of dedicated volunteers. Volunteer opportunities include: community outing assistants; activity assistants; resale store assistants; special events; and support services. All Marklund volunteers can find a place for themselves, no matter what their interests, where they live or how much time they can donate.

For information about Marklund, call Vicki Krystof at (630) 593-5482 or visit www.marklund.org. For information about volunteering at one of Marklund's sites, contact: in Geneva: Cathy Nikrandt at (630) 593-5468; in Bloomingdale: Hilsa Hallihan at (630) 529-2871 x3236; and Resale Store in Wood Dale: Theresa Amoroso at (630) 594-1489 or stop by the store.