5Cities Homeless Coalition kicked off National Volunteer Week with a thank-you luncheon on April 6 recognizing some 300 volunteers who work throughout the year supporting their homeless neighbors and the work of the Coalition.

National Volunteer Week, celebrated April 7-13 this year, is an opportunity to recognize the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers to tackle society’s greatest challenges – such as homelessness – and to build stronger communities.

Over the last year, more than 300 5CHC volunteers served more than 3,500 hours participating in various activities and events, including special programs like the South County Warming Center, fundraising events like Empty Bowls, Giving Tuesday, and the Hope for the Homeless Golf Tournament, and general volunteering. They helped launder linens, cook and serve meals, canvass, make snack bags, do clerical or administrative work, and a host of other activities. They came from all walks of life including teenagers, students, professionals and retired community members.

Eleven individuals were singled out for special recognition on April 6. Eight who logged more than 100 volunteer hours for the Coalition received certificates from Supervisors Lynn Compton and Adam Hill representing the County of San Luis Obispo: Warming Center volunteers Mike Byrd, Pat Ford, Irene Krause, Jeff Metcalfe, Sandy Neece, and Paul Schneider, and office volunteers Mandi Flitsch and Jerri Young.

5CHC honored Property Manager Linda Foy for serving 5CHC clients and the community through her work with Casa Arroyo for MGF Enterprises, and Yvonne Williams and Donna Rubin received recognition as Trilogy Service Club volunteers who have devoted countless hours to raising funds for the Coalition.

The luncheon, prepared and served by members of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Pismo Beach, was sponsored by the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors, Pismo Beach Golf Course, and Arroyo Grande Community Hospital.