Great Bend Halllsetad Ambulance volunteers recognized for over 20 years of service include, front row, from left: Mike Welch, Sandy Pickering and Carol Buchta. Back row: Jody Resseguie, Tony Conarton and Brenda Pruitt.
BY STACI WILSON
The Great Bend Hallstead Ambulance volunteers joined together Saturday, Dec. 3 to celebrate the season and give back to the community.
At the annual Christmas party, the volunteers collected toys and non-perishable food items which were donated to theGreat BendUnitedMethodistChurch’s Angel Tree and food pantry. The church’s Angel Tree is decorated with the Christmas wish lists of local children.
GBHVA president Anthony Conarton said the group plans to pick a different organization to donate to each year.
The donation was just one more way the 30 active ambulance volunteers and nine members of the board of directors reach out to the community.
In the past year, (Nov. 1, 2010-Oct. 31), GBHVA responded to 358 calls and came into contact with over 400 patients.
Members were presented with a gift, based on the number of calls they responded to in the year.
“It’s a way to give back to the members who give so much of their time at trainings and meetings,” Conarton said.
He told the group, “The general public doesn’t know how much many hours you spend on calls.”
Member Jerry MacConnell responded to the most calls – 171 – in the year and was acknowledged at the banquet.
Mike Welch, Jody Resseguie, Sandy Pickering, Anthony Conarton, Cheryl Buchta and Brenda Pruitt were presented with service pins marking over 20 years of service with the ambulance.
Board members were also recognized for their contributions. GBHVA board members include: Tammy Barnard, Cheryl Buchta, Richard Button, Dennis Maloney, Jude Park, Jody Resseguie, Rob Roninson, Carol Thatcher and Joseph Tomeo.
Subscription drive manager Pat Thatcher updated the members on the current drive.
Thatcher said, “A lot of notes of ‘thank you’s’ come through with those.”
Currently underway, subscription drive information is on the website, www.gbhva.com.
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