OKDHS Recognizes State Volunteers - Oklahoma City Resident Carlene Pearce
Library: News Release
Phone: (405) 522-3731, Fax: (405) 522-3146
e-mail: Mark.Beutler@OKDHS.org
OKLAHOMA CITY -- “A civilization flourishes when people plant trees under which they will never sit.”—Greek Proverb
Each year, generous Oklahomans across the state donate their time, talents and service to making Oklahoma a better place in which to live. The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) recognized some of those volunteers at a recent awards ceremony at the Oklahoma History Center.
“Volunteers Plant Seeds of Kindness” was the theme for the annual event. Last year, volunteers provided more than 2.2 million hours of service to OKDHS recipients, for a total of $40,352,770 in savings to Oklahoma.
“Your commitment in planting seeds of kindness throughout Oklahoma helps fulfill the agency’s mission,” said OKDHS Director Ed Lake. “Our goal is to help individuals and families help themselves lead safer, healthier, more independent and productive lives. We thank you for volunteering your time and resources to help us achieve our mission.”
Oklahoma City resident Carlene Pearce received the Ed Birchall Award, named in honor of the late humanitarian. Birchall was more commonly known as “Ho Ho the Clown,” and the award recognizes an exceptional volunteer whose personal touch brought comfort and hope to others.
Pearce has been working as a volunteer since 1990, contributing 10,628 hours of service, equating to a savings of $231,478 for the state of Oklahoma. Pearce is now 85 years of age, but continues to volunteer an average of 100 hours a month.
She has volunteered at the Midwest City Police Department, OU Children’s Hospital, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, among others. Since 2000, she has also logged more than 5,300 hours for the American Red Cross ladies sewing circle.
More than 100 people attended the ceremony including volunteers, their family and friends and several state legislators.
"I have witnessed the volunteer services these individuals provide, the compassion they exemplify, and am always amazed and truly humbled by the tremendous impact provided to Oklahoma children and families,” said Karen Jacobs, Administrator of the OKDHS Office of Community and Faith Engagement. “They do not volunteer for any glory or honor, but simply because they have a gentle and caring nature. I am honored to help recognize these individuals and organizations for their service to Oklahoma,” Jacobs said.
Oklahoma had more than 831,000 volunteers last year, with nearly 70 percent of volunteers doing favors for their neighbors. Oklahoma ranks 20th in the nation with 29 percent of all residents volunteering.
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