The Virginia Health Care Association Recognizes Outstanding Teen Volunteer of the Year

Richmond, August 8, 2008 - Sara Stafford has been named statewide 2008 Teen Volunteer of the Year by the Virginia Health Care Association (VHCA) in recognition of her dedication to the residents of Bland County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Bastian. At the age of 13, Sara volunteers at the facility every day. On the week days during school, her bus driver makes a special stop to let her out at the facility and she also comes in on the weekends. During the summer months, she goes to the facility and stays all day. Sara is a caring, compassionate and dedicated volunteer. She provides much joy and happiness to the staff and residents. Sara does everything she can to help from playing games with the residents to helping in the kitchen. She will spend special time with the residents one on one.

Sara has made a huge impact on the residents by showing them that the young can still open their hearts and reach out to older adults. She is an exemplary example of what a volunteer should strive to become.

The VHCA, which represents nearly 90% of the nursing facilities, and a growing number of assisted living facilities and continuing care retirement communities in Virginia, presents this prestigious award annually in recognition of dedicated service to the residents of a member facility.