Vets home recruits volunteers

Volunteering at the Oregon Veterans’ Home is more about play than work, say Dan and Vickie Brindell, who reside near Lyle and have been taking residents on social outings for years.

“Don’t be bashful, come and see what’s it all about,” urges Dan, who spent six years in the Army reserves.

There are about 20 regular volunteers at OVH, about half the number needed, said Chris Haugen, who coordinates the program.

“The hours are flexible, people can come in when it works best for them,” she said.

She said every person needs to feel unique, important and useful, which cannot happen in the facility with 150 residents without help from the community.