WHO/WHAT: Volunteers at the Paramus Veterans Memorial Home will honored by the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for the more than 31,000 hours donated by individuals, corporations, veterans' organizations and community groups.

WHEN: Tuesday, April 22, 2007 at 10 a.m.

WHERE: Holiday Inn, 283 Route 17 South in Hasbrouck Heights

Major Volunteer Accomplishments for the past year: April 1, 2007 to March 31, 2008

      Students from Bergen Technical Vocational School twice weekly under the direction of their teachers, students come into our facility. These students are responsible for providing assistance in the Food Service, and Physical Therapy Departments. They also shred all the documentation that has to be destroyed. During the summer months we hosted the “Work Ready, Work Now” hearing impaired students, who assisted throughout the facility.

     The current pet therapy program is growing in numbers, our pet Doberman Jake was recently featured on the Montel Williams Show, with his human partner, Judy speaking about the benefit therapy dogs bring into our community. Also our Chesapeake Bay Retriever was a “Best in Breed” winner at this year's Westminster Kennel Club, his human partner Joann, mentioned on national television that he spent his spare time volunteering at the NJ Veterans Home.

     “They provide our residents with all these things of value, but more so, they supply them with the things that money can't buy. They show up every day loaded with compassion, empathy, and giving hearts. These are the folks who take the loneliness out of being alone; they are faithful in an unfaithful world,” said Sue Pettigrano, Paramus Veterans Memorial Home volunteer coordinator.