Older Americans Month highlights contributions of seniors
Hillsborough County Aging Services recently honored two volunteers for their dedication and contribution of numerous hours to assist staff and clients at the County's senior and dining centers.
Eula Banks and Luis Rivera received the 2024 Hillsborough County Community Service and Volunteerism Award at an event celebrating Older Americans Month in May. The award recognizes senior volunteers who have made significant contributions to Hillsborough County Aging Services and their communities.
Luis Rivera is an active member of the Tampa Baptist Manor Dining Center. Since 2017, he has volunteered 1,742 hours. He has been involved in brainstorming ideas for center and program improvements. He has spent multiple days and hours reaching out to local sponsors to collect donations to support the Tampa Baptist Manor Dining Center. Luis is highly involved in planning and coordinating events at the Tampa Baptist Manor Dining Center. He joined the advisory committee at Tampa Baptist Manor to get more involved.
Luis started a daily coffee club, calling it Cubano Café. All the early risers at Tampa Baptist Manor have gotten behind it. Luis is also a member of the Friday walking club where he gets members moving. When they aren't out walking, Luis is directing a daily yoga squad.
Eula Banks retired in 2017 from Hillsborough County Aging Services after 36 years of service. Now she's been volunteering at the Silver Tree Dining Center since 2019. She is known as dependable, efficient, proficient, and gracious. At the Silver Tree Dining Center, Eula gets the meals prepped and ready to serve. She also helps clients who may need additional assistance.
She participates in active aging games that help to create socialization and conversation among members. When there's a need for a volunteer at another center, she's one of the first to volunteer.
She has provided more than 1,508 of volunteer service hours at Silver Tree Dining Center.
Eula and Luis are representative of a corps of volunteers that support Aging Services activities. During 2023, 621 volunteers provided 12,805 hours of service valued at $397,979.40. Volunteers range in age from 16 to 90 and serve in a wide range of areas: clerical; companionship for frail seniors; meal service; special event preparations, and entertainment, arts and crafts, music, fitness, and educational classes.
Hillsborough County Aging Services offers a number of programs and services that benefit seniors and caregivers in Hillsborough County.
To learn more or to sign up for Aging Services programs, visit HCFL.gov/Aging or call (813) 272-5250.