“My volunteers are awesome! They answer my call for help and have never let me down. They are dependable, they love kids, and they add so much to our programs.”

These words, spoken by the City’s Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator, Adelaide Paruolo, are key to her garnering the 2005 City of Plano Volunteer Supervisor of the Year Award.

Accompanied by cheers and applause, a stunned Ms. Paruolo received her award during the City’s annual Volunteers In Plano (VIP) 2005 Recognition Celebration, held at the Courtyard Theatre April 12. She is pictured above with her award and Plano City Manager Tom Muehlenbeck.

“I was very surprised and overwhelmed when I found out, and was very flattered I had even been nominated, which I found out when they called my name. But when I won, I was even more overwhelmed,” said Ms. Paruolo.

Recruiting, training, scheduling and recognizing 600 volunteers supporting the City’s Therapeutic Recreation programs is a crucial part of Ms. Paruolo’s position. A dedicated volunteer herself, Ms. Paruolo, or “Addy,” as she is know to her volunteers and co-workers, worked for several years as a program volunteer before becoming a part-time employee in 1999. In May 2001 she became a full-time employee, currently serving as the City’s Therapeutic Recreation Coordinator.

For over twenty years the City’s Parks and Recreation Department has been providing recreation programs for persons of all ages with developmental special needs. Therapeutic Recreation programming provides opportunities for both physical and social development, running from summer camps to get-togethers to enjoyable craft, sports and day trips. Each month, approximately thirty activities are held, requiring the scheduling of volunteers.

“The volunteers pair up with our participants with special needs and assist and help them enjoy the program. This involves getting them to join the group for activities, assisting them in completing a craft, playing with them and interacting with them,’ said Ms. Paruolo.

“Addy has built upon the networks of volunteer resources that have been established over the years and has made a huge task appear manageable,” said Ms. Joan Shopoff, Therapeutic Recreation Supervisor in her nomination form. “She has a warm, friendly manner that inspires confidence, she is well organized and encourages volunteers and staff to keep in touch.”

In Fiscal Year 2003 – 04, Ms. Paruolo’s “army” of 606 volunteers contributed 4,557 hours to enhance the quality of life for citizens with special needs. The value of this donated time is estimated by the VIP program to be $72,912.

While Ms. Paruolo remains modest about touting her award, her respect and enjoyment in working with her volunteers is always evident.

“They are the ones that really deserve the award,” she said. “They make my job very easy! I will be needing volunteers for summer programs now, especially the summer camps. The age range for my volunteers is fourteen years old up to senior citizens. I do accept twelve-year old volunteers from the National Charity League because these volunteers come with their mothers and work as a mother/daughter team.”

Persons interested in the City’s Therapeutic Recreation programming, or in finding out more about volunteer opportunities within the program can contact Ms. Paruolo at 972-941-7327.

For information about the City’s Volunteers In Plano program, offering a wide range of volunteer opportunities throughout the City, contact Ms. Robin Popik, Volunteer Resource Supervisor, 972-941-7114.