Honoring Volunteers of the Year: Ellen Coffaro & Shirley Vandenburg

In Mayville, New York, the Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services (CCOFAS) has honored Ellen Coffaro and Shirley Vandenburg as its 2026 Volunteers of the Year, recognizing their exceptional contributions to assisting older adults in the region. These volunteers have played an essential role in maintaining community connections and have left a lasting positive impact.

Dana Corwin, Director of the Office for Aging Services, praised their dedication, highlighting how their volunteer efforts have strengthened various programs that aid elderly residents. Coffaro and Vandenburg have been instrumental in supporting vital services, particularly in areas like transportation and community wellness.

Ellen Coffaro began volunteering in 1985 with the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and continued her involvement post-retirement in 2011. She made significant contributions to ensuring residents have access to essential healthcare services. "RSVP is the retired and senior volunteer program. I started in ’85 and retired in 2011," Coffaro remarked, showcasing her longstanding commitment to community service.

Encouraging others to volunteer, Coffaro advised, “Don’t go home and sit in the rocking chair—it’s not good for your health. Just give me a call, and I’ll find something that will keep you busy, and you’ll love it.” Shirley Vandenburg started volunteering in 1996 after retiring, dedicating 27 years as an activities director at the Jamestown Senior Center. Her efforts included organizing events and programs that promote wellness and a sense of community.

Vandenburg expressed her motivation, stating, “I’m thankful that someone recognizes it, but I don’t do it for recognition. I do it because that’s the way I like to live my life.” The CCOFAS emphasizes that volunteers like Coffaro and Vandenburg are crucial to fulfilling the agency's mission, inspiring the development of a new volunteer program aimed at enhancing service delivery.

“Volunteers are essential in enriching lives through programs like meal deliveries, transportation assistance, health insurance counseling, and wellness classes,” Corwin noted. The agency invites residents to engage in these efforts, emphasizing a range of flexible opportunities tailored to different skills and interests. For more information on volunteering opportunities with the Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services, interested individuals can call (716) 753-4582 or visit the official website.