The recipient of the Oceanside 2021 Senior Volunteer of the Year Award was announced today at the annual Senior Expo hosted by the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce at Civic Center Plaza.
Oceanside resident Shirley Thralls was awarded the honor, remarking, “Helping has always been in my blood.”
Ms. Thralls, aged 90, has been an active volunteer with the Tri-City Medical Center since 2008 where her upbeat, outgoing personality was well appreciated. Shirley has also been a dedicated volunteer at the El Corazon Senior Center since 2009, greeting guests, conducting facility tours, and making calls to check in on seniors. During COVID’s “stay at home” orders, Ms. Thralls helped make over 1,500 calls to Oceanside seniors to help coordinate shopping trips, doctor visits, and more. Shirley shares her helpful knowledge of Oceanside community services with all who stop by the Senior Center during her volunteer hours – over 750 hours per year at the El Corazon Senior Center alone. Thank you Shirley!
Aside from Shirley’s active community volunteerism, she also shares her musical abilities by playing the piano and organ at her church and at the residential community center in Oceana. Shirley, a retired teacher, enjoys her seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren and is a great example to them of someone who gives back to their community.
The annual Oceanside Senior Expo today featured 80 health-related businesses, non-profits and senior organizations, as well as free health-related screenings, giveaways and consultations.
Oceanside Parks and Recreation’s Senior Services section organizes the Senior Volunteer Awards each year, and helps bring our community together with a sense of pride, passion and connectivity. For volunteer opportunities with the City of Oceanside, please visit https://www.ci.oceanside.ca.us/gov/hr/volunteer.asp.
