NT resident honored as Volunteer of the Year at Northgate

The McGuire Group's Northgate Health Care Facility in North Tonawanda announced Joan Holesko of North Tonawanda was honored as the volunteer of the year at the facility's 22nd annual Volunteer Luncheon and Award Ceremony.

Since 2007, Holesko has devoted her time weekly to the residents at Northgate. Regardless of whether it's raining, snowing or frigid, this volunteer brings an overall warmth and cheeriness to the facility.

She first began by assisting a priest from St. Jude the Apostle in North Tonawanda during his services at the facility. As time went on and there was restructuring at the church, she took it upon herself to continue to come weekly to provide Communion services, always stopping in early to set up and greet everyone as they arrived. After services are complete, she goes from room to room to provide Communion to the residents who wish to receive it.

Not only does she find the time to volunteer at Northgate, Holesko also volunteers at Women and Children's Hospital and DeGraff Hospital. She has not only touched the lives of Northgate's residents, but also the staff.

"She has truly given the residents the greatest gift of all - her time," said Activity Director Judy Ogden.

Northgate Health Care Facility's 2015 Volunteer of the Year, Joan Holesko of North Tonawanda (standing center), is pictured with Director of Nursing Sherry Trinkwalder, Activity Director Judy Ogden and resident Dorothy Stickney (seated).