MACON, MO. -- Missouri Lt. Governor Peter Kinder visited Macon Tuesday to honor three local seniors who've devoted hundreds of hours of their spare time to serve their peers.
Across the state, Lt. Governor Kinder honored 200 senior citizens with the "Senior Service Award", including two centenarians. Locally, Evelyn Falls, of La Plata, and Melvin and Elnora Sheehan, of Unionville were honored.
Falls is a longtime volunteer at Heartland RSVP. Since 1996, she has volunteered more than 3,000 hours to the program. The Sheehans are volunteer drivers for the "Provide a Ride" program for the Northwest Missouri Area Agency on Aging.
The Sheehans have taken senior citizens to their doctors appointments since the beginning of 2007. They said it was a shock to be acknowledged for their service because it's something they do out of the kindness of their hearts.
"I just think it's gratifying to help people that don't have transportation to get to their doctor appointments," said Melvin Sheehan. "It just makes you feel good to do that."
Elnora Sheehan used to be a community service manager at a senior center for 10 years. She said her service is fulfilling a dire need in the community.
"There's a lot of people, older people, that need help," said Elnora Sheehan.
"They don't have anybody to do anything for them. Some of them do have family and some of them don't have anyone. So, they feel better because there is someone that will help them get to the doctor."
The award recipients were given a plaque and pin.
The "Senior Citizen Award" is given out twice a year. Nominees for the "Senior Service Award" must be at least 60 years old and volunteer in their community a minimum of 40 hours over the previous year. In order to nominate a senior, interested parties must fill out a form on Lt. Governor Kinder's website and turn in letters of recommendation.
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