Friendship Village hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration on April 21^st for National Volunteer Appreciation Week. The event honored the many Friendship Village residents who volunteer on campus as well as out in the community. 

"The purpose of our event is to honor our residents who do extraordinary things to improve their communities. This celebrates the highlights of volunteers' meaningful contributions every day," said Jeannette Magdaleno, lifelong learning, and volunteer coordinator. "Volunteers never ask for or expect to be thanked, but we are excited to be showing our appreciation to these wonderful people who give so freely of their time and resources at Friendship Village and in the outside community."

Resident volunteer activities on campus this past year have included planning and overseeing committees and activities, serving as marketing ambassadors, hosting Trivia Nights at Bluestone pub and lounge, writing thank-you notes to the staff, Father's Day and Mother's Day candy deliveries, entertaining fellow residents through the Friendship Village Choir and the old-time radio show, decorating the connector hallway between Bridgewater Place and Bridgegate, and more. Volunteer activities benefitting people outside of the campus have included a Ukrainian Relief fundraiser, participating in Kindness Rocks in the greater Schaumburg area, writing Thanksgiving cards for servicemen and women, creating, and collecting items for Children's Home and Aid, and more. "Our volunteers believe in and are committed to giving back to the community. We are grateful to them for giving their valuable time, and we hope they know how invaluable their work is to those who receive their help."