DHS Recognizes State Volunteers Tulsa residents honored for work on Trinity Community Garden

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OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma City – Every year, citizens across Oklahoma donate countless hours to help the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS) fulfill its mission.  Those volunteer hours help fill the gap and account for upwards of $37 million in annual savings to the state.

Recently the DHS held its annual Volunteer/Partner Recognition Awards Ceremony in Oklahoma City, recognizing those volunteers and agency partners who contributed the most during the past year.

“The individuals gathered in this room today know what giving is all about,” said DHS Director Ed Lake.  “Whether it’s spearheading a Christmas toy drive, mentoring students or delivering meals to seniors, these volunteers have donated so much of their time and themselves to helping others.  We are truly grateful for their service.”

Tulsa residents Joe Wilkerson  and Kenda Woodburn received DHS Partner Recognition Awards for their work with the Trinity Community Garden.  Their group helped obtain equipment, seeds, tools and other gardening needs.  The Trinity Community Garden utilizes a 40,000-square-foot area to grow crops for residents who have little or no access to fresh produce.

 “These individuals have such an impact on the lives of others,” said Karen Jacobs, Administrator of the DHS Office of Community and Faith Engagement.  “They share so much of themselves and their time working to make the world a better place.  It is not glory they seek, or fame or recognition, but merely the satisfaction of helping others.  This is our way of simply saying ‘thank you.’”

Oklahoma had nearly 740,000 volunteers in 2012, donating a combined 102-million hours of service.  As a result the state ranks in the top 20 nationally with nearly 30 percent of all residents participating in some type of volunteer activity.

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From left, DHS Director Ed Lake with Tulsa residents Kenda Woodburn and Joe Wilkerson