Recognizing givers

Christine Carrillo

They’ve donated their time; they’ve used their talents; and they’ve

lent a hand or two.

Now, the volunteers for the city of Costa Mesa have become recipients.

As part of the city’s first reception focused on volunteer

recognition, the Human Relations Committee on Sunday honored 201

individuals -- both young and old, long-term and short-term -- who have

donated their free time to the city.

“It’s real exciting to live in a community that you take part in,”

said John Rule, the event chair for the committee. “It makes for a good

community.”

Rule, a five-year volunteer for the city, said he felt that it was

finally time for all the people who assist the different city government

departments in maintaining and bettering the city through volunteer work

to be thanked for their service.

To show its appreciation Sunday, the committee presented each

volunteer with a certificate and pin. The pin was donated by Rule and

designed by Luciano Martinez specifically for the city’s volunteers.

Many of the people attending the event agreed that it served an

important purpose.

“I think volunteers are the heart of the community,” said Mayor Linda

Dixon. “They make such a difference and I think this [event] is a

wonderful opportunity to acknowledge them.”

Councilwoman Karen Robinson, who serves as the council liaison to the

committee, agrees.

“I am thrilled that we are recognizing the volunteers of the city

because they do so much.” she said. “They provide such a personal touch

for the residents.”

With various volunteer committees such as the Child Care and Youth

Committee, the Advisory Committee for Teens and the Library Study

Committee, just to name a few, both residents and nonresidents can devote

their time to all aspects of city involvement.

“So many things need to be done for the city,” said Karen Ursini, a

Costa Mesa business owner and former 30-year resident of Costa Mesa.

“It’s nice to volunteer on the city level.”

Ursini has volunteered for the Child Care and Youth Committee for

nearly six years, continuing her efforts in updating a Costa Mesa

activity brochure. The former school teacher plans to continue her

service.

“We just want to help the city constantly with anything,” she said. “I

think everyone needs to do something to help society at large and this is

something that I can do.”

Ursini is not the only one who feels a need to help.

In fact, the Neighborhood Community Center was filled with people just

like her.

“Community service is my passion and I really love the Newport-Mesa

area,” said 17-year-old Lindsay Freeman, who is a member of the Advisory

Committee for Teens. “You know you’ve accomplished something when you see

the effect it has on other people’s lives that really need it.”

While each volunteer donates their time to give what they can to the

city, they also seem to acquire something in the process.

“You notice [your work] a lot more when it’s in your city,” said

16-year-old Kaci Foster, who is also a member of the teen committee. “You

feel really good about yourself.”

* Christine Carrillo is the news assistant. She may be reached at

(949) 574-4298 or by e-mail ato7 christine.carrillo@latimes.comf7 .