For Immediate Release

Date: January 15, 2009 Contact: Suzanne Wiener Phone: 631-715-2569 Fax:

Commack, NY— January is generally a time of making plans for the future...and if one of your resolutions is to do something meaningful this year, consider calling the Volunteer Office at the Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Commack. According to Kathleen Donnelly, Director of Volunteer Services at Gurwin, “People who volunteer often tell us they get more than they give.”

“Our volunteers do wonderful things for our residents,” Donnelly said. “We have volunteers who sew and make repairs to residents’ clothing...fix hems, replace buttons or shorten pants. Time spent giving a simple manicure, writing a letter or playing a board game is just invaluable.” And, whether a volunteer helps a resident to an activity, teaches a resident to surf the Internet or visits with a resident one on one, volunteers regularly report that they have had a great time, and thank Donnelly for the opportunity to be at Gurwin.

Donnelly says no matter how many volunteers Gurwin has, more are always needed. “Right now, we are looking for volunteers to help in the Gift Shop - a favorite for residents and staff alike. We also need Spanish-speaking volunteers to assist the registrants in our Adult Day Health program, among many other assignments.”

Have a special interest? Donnelly says volunteer assignments can be tailored to individuals as well.

Young professionals, especially, think that they don’t have the time to volunteer. “But, just two hours a week, especially helping with the evening recreation programs, can make a world of difference,” says Donnelly.

To learn more about how you can change your life and the lives of our residents, call Kathleen Donnelly in Gurwin’s volunteer office at (631) 715-2555.

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The Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is a 460-bed nursing care facility located in Commack, Long Island. Gurwin offers skilled nursing care, short-term rehabilitation, medical/post-surgical subacute care, respiratory and ventilator dependent care, an adult day health program, hospice care, home care and assisted living.