Dana Point : 7 City Volunteers Get VIPS Treatment

Seven senior citizens out of a group that has donated a combined 12,000 hours of service to the city in the past two years were honored at an awards luncheon last week.

From contributors to the city’s Volunteer Interest Program for Seniors, Ray Sandstrom won top honors as the city’s volunteer of the year.

“I really do find the VIPS (participants) do a phenomenal job,” said City Councilwoman Eileen Krause. “They do everything; they’re everywhere.”

Seniors in the program save Dana Point money by performing many repetitive yet critical tasks such as calling shut-ins, patrolling the city by van and bicycle and helping with traffic control during special events.

City officials estimate that the hours donated by the 31 senior citizens in the program would have cost about $144,000 if city staff or outside help had been hired.

The seven people honored have logged the most hours volunteered.

Krause said their service goes beyond the dollar value.

“They put their hearts into the job; that’s what makes them so special,” she said. “Doing a little thing like honoring them at a luncheon, that’s the least we can do to recognize them. We could never afford to pay for the services they provide their city.”

Other VIPS participants honored last week include Jerre Hayes, Joe Trimm and Irene Wirtz, who were runners-up to Sandstrom.

Dolores Ware was given the Distinguished Service award, while Scotty Smith was lauded for his work in the city’s Neighborhood Watch program.

Colby Thompson received a special commendation for his work with the Newport Beach Police Department.

Participants wear uniforms and are given 20 hours of training by the city.

They are required to volunteer a minimum of six hours per week.

For more information about the program, call (714) 248-3517.