Plum, Oakmont Volunteers Chosen as Finalists for Prestigious Award

There are silent heroes among us who volunteer their efforts and expect nothing in return.

Locally, Bob McCandless of Oakmont and Darnell (Jeff) Pope of Plum are two whose stand-out contributions are making a difference everyday in the lives of others.

And for their tireless work, both men are being recognized for their volunteerism as finalists who could be named Pennsylvania’s most outstanding senior volunteer.

The Salute to Senior Service" program, sponsored by , is honoring the contributions of adults 65 and older who volunteer at least 15 hours a month.

McCandless and Pope are among the 68 seniors across the state who were nominated and named as finalists. 

Both have served as longtime volunteers at local senior centers.

Darnell (Jeff) Pope

For the past 10 years, Pope has spent about 25 hours per month volunteering at the Plum Senior Community Center. 

He stepped up to lead a Stroke Support Group at the senior center after the Visiting Nurse Association lost its funding and had to pull out of the commitment. At that time, Pope was also commander at the local American Legion Post 980. He continued in taking a regional Legion position, and also sits on the board of the Soldiers and Sailors Museum.

He served as the president and vice president of the senior center's advisory council for several years ago. Last year, he became a board member. 

In nominating Pope, Nia Segelson, executive director of the senior center, wrote that the senior center recently lost three members over a period of about three months. Segelson said Pope sat with those three members at the hospital when they lay dying.

"To be sure, that is not an easy thing to do, but so important. Jeff has put in countless hours by this point in time, which I am sure is a challenge to his difficulties from his own stroke," Segelson wrote. 

Bob McCandless

Bob McCandless has turned volunteering at the Riverview Community Action Center in Oakmont into nearly a full-time job. He volunteers from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 or 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.

McCandless organizes paper products for the lunch then assists with the home-delivered meals program, before helping to pack and carry food bank orders. McCandless empties the garbage and takes care of the men's room, making sure the paper towels, toilet paper and soap dispenser are all full. If there is an accident, he's always ready with a mop and bucket or broom and dustpan.

He helps with maintenance around the center, shoveling the sidewalks in the winter and watering the small garden with a bucket during the spring and summer.

In nominating McCandless, RCAC activities director Elaine Pruitt said, “He is a gentle soul with a huge heart.” 

Vote Online

Online voting closes on April 30. One winner from each state will be chosen by popular vote and a panel of senior care experts will then pick their favorite of the 50 honorees.

Other Pittsburgh nomniees include Sandy Ritchey and Nancy Fazio. 

Home Instead, Inc. will donate $500 to each of the state winners’ favorite non-profit organizations and their stories will be posted on the Salute to Senior Service Wall of Fame.

In addition, $5,000 will be donated to the national winner’s non-profit charity of choice.

To vote for Bob McCandless, click here.

To vote for Jeff Pope, click here. 

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