On November 2, 2009 the LSU AgCenter hosted an Awards Luncheon in honor of the Washington Parish Volunteer Homemakers.

The Volunteer Homemakers with over 20 years of service were honored with plaques for their years of service they include: Mary Evelyn McDaniel – 50 years of service, Cleo Carter Guy- 40 years of service, Lucy Erwin – 33 years of service, Bermell Hoover – 30 years of service, Jo Jane Kern – 40 years of service, Jerry Alford- 60 years of service, Betty Sue Miller – Over 30 years of service, Wilkie Smith – Over 30 years of service, Cherry Estes- 20 years of service, Delora Bridges – 30 years of service, Marceline Hudson- 25 years of service, Judie Morris- 20 years of service, Ruth Seal for over 20 years of service, Jackie Smith for over 25 years of service, Nell Smith for over 25 years of service, Mary Lee Ingram for over 25 years of service and Lorrell Morris for over 25 years of service.

The president of each club was given a president’s award for their outstanding leadership.Presidents Awards recipients were: Liz King, Cherry Estes, Ruth Seal,Nell Smith, Mildred Camp and Mary Evelyn McDaniel.Our Volunteer Liaison, Kay Burns was also honored with a special award.

Each year the Volunteer Homemakers complete service projects for the parish including donating pennies for books, recycling eyeglasses, giving and making greeting cards for residents in need, making ouch babies, making blankets for babies with AIDS and projects with the elderly in Washington Parish.The Volunteer Homemakers special interests are literacy, family life, the environment and hosting learning workshops.This year two of their special projects involve donating their pennies, $300 worth, to the Washington Parish Library and a special Family and Nutrition Book Bag Project benefiting the children of Washington Parish.

“We really wanted to show our gratitude for the countless hours of dedication and service the women give each year.Our programs would not be as successful if it were not for our outstanding volunteers” said LSU AgCenter Family Resource Management Agent, Valerie Vincent.

In addition to the service projects the clubs meet monthly and host educational programs.The volunteer homemakers are also an integral part in the Washington Parish Fair as they volunteer their time to take in entries, tag and display all items that come into the Women’s Building.

For more information on the Volunteer Homemakers or on the LSU AgCenter’s Family Resource Management programs contact Valerie Vincent at 985-839-7855.