STRYKER – Volunteers at the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio received special recognition to include honoring the Volunteer of the Year during the 20^th annual Volunteer Recognition Banquet held Tuesday, April 12.

     Volunteer Jackie Keefer of Kunkle accepted the award given to her deceased husband, Rodney Keefer, who was named the CCNO Volunteer of the Year for 2010.  Mr. Keefer had been a dedicated CCNO Volunteer since February 2007 until he lost his battle with cancer in 2010.  Mr. Keefer was a member of the House of Prayer in Montpelier.

     Upon receiving the honor, it was noted that Mr. Keefer did not let his illness affect his volunteering at CCNO or his positive attitude.  Mr. Keefer made it his mission to be at CCNO to provide services to the offenders and shared his gift of music.  “Rodney’s love for what he did for everyone will truly be missed by his family, friends and offenders at CCNO,” said Toby Bostater, CCNO Manager of Operations.

     CCNO Executive Director Jim Dennis said, “Jackie and Rodney started with their music as part of their program from the House of Prayer.  They attended the extra 40 hours of training. Rodney was a leader and recruited others He was committed to the offenders at CCNO.  He was sick and tired and still came and that’s why we are honoring Rodney Keefer.  His wife, Jackie, continues to be an inspiration and role model to the women at CCNO.”

     During 2010, the 196 volunteers at CCNO donated 9,501.5 hours.  According to the Independent Sector and the U.S. Bureau of Labor, an hour donated by a volunteer amounts to $21.36.  When totaled, that amounts to $202,950.55 worth of services and programs provided to offenders at CCNO.

     Services and programs provided by volunteers include religious services, Bible studies,