OCO Recognizes its Volunteers

FULTON – Oswego County Opportunities (OCO) boasts a volunteer force of 1,039 dedicated community members that play an integral role in helping OCO deliver its services. This spirit of volunteerism is what truly allows OCO to continue to help people, support communities and change lives in Oswego County. In 2024 these volunteers contributed a remarkable 22,000 hours of service.

While the efforts of all of OCO’s volunteers are exceptional, several volunteers were recognized at the agency’s annual meeting for their willingness to continually go above and beyond and play an integral role in OCO’s ability to deliver services to those in need.

The Central Square Bistro Team

The Bistro, OCO’s Dining and Activity Center in Central Square, boasts an amazing group of volunteers, some with over 15 years of service have made the Bistro a second home. They do whatever is needed to ensure each guest enjoy their time at The Bistro. From leading entertaining and challenging activities, to serving up delicious and nutritious meals, the volunteers at The Bistro leave their guests looking forward to their next visit.

Ronald Harrington

A retired elementary school teacher, Ron has spent every Monday for the last seven years, drives nearly 17 miles to deliver meals in the Pulaski area- in rain, snow, or even in salmon season traffic! He’s steady, kind, and respected by OCO’s Home Delivered Meals clients. Ron’s soft-spoken, respectful nature has built trust and connection in a place where isolation is real.

Laurie Wood

A tutor with Literacy Volunteers, Laurie is a true cheerleader for her student. Through her patience, encouragement, and creative, personalized teaching, Laurie has helped changed her student’s life by going to a 2nd grade reading level to an 8th grade level. Her student is now employed in a job with benefits and retirement; more involved in his son’s education; and confident in navigating the world. Laurie’s impact goes beyond academics; she’s helped her student build self-worth, resilience, and a brighter future.

Sandra Barbaro

Sandy brings a quiet fire to everything she does. As a tutor, she’s worked with some of our county’s most beginning-level adult readers with patience, compassion, and innovation. Sandy’s advocacy goes far beyond her one-on-one work. She promotes literacy programs, recruits other tutors, and gives presentations to community groups. Her students thrive not just because of what she teaches, but because of the belief she instills in them.

Christina Wallace:

As a long-time OCO volunteer, Christina is a shining example of an employee that goes above and beyond. She’s been a powerhouse behind the scenes at events like Bowl-A-Fun, Glow for OCO, and Giving Thanks, handling everything from setup and ticket sales to assisting with photography and cleanup. She also independently organized a “Paint and Sip” fundraiser through her private business, raising $400 for OCO and shining a light on its “There’s No Place Like Home” campaign. Christina brings passion, professionalism, and heart to everything she does-both in her volunteer work and as member of OCO’s Cancer Services team.

“It’s truly amazing to think about the number of volunteers we have and the amount of time each devotes to helping us achieve our mission of empowering people, supporting the community and changing lives,” said OCO Executive Director Diane Cooper-Currier. “We greatly appreciate each and every one of our volunteers and we can’t thank them enough for all they do for OCO.”

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