Mary Rarich, of Macungie, received the Mayor's Volunteerism Award at a ceremony April 23 in celebration of National Volunteer Week. The City of Allentown presented the award to 15 constituents at the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum. Rarich attended with her son, David. Volunteer Coordinator for Phoebe Allentown Health Care Center, Donna Henry, submitted the nomination.

Rarich began volunteering at Phoebe in October of 1968 through the Red Cross. She was acknowledged for her 45 years of service at an annual volunteer lunch. Rarich, 94, continues to volunteer once a week.

During her early years as a Phoebe volunteer she made beds, shopped for residents, transported them to physical therapy at Phoebe and to doctor's appointments. Rarich also led a group of residents who helped with community service projects. Rarich often read to residents, led arts and crafts or assisted with the visually-impaired. Rarich also served as a lobby desk receptionist and as president of the residents' council.

Rarich now helps with paperwork in the volunteer office and assists with bingo in the memory support neighborhoods. She devotes herself to Phoebe, her church and to family and friends. Rarich is Phoebe Allentown Health Care Center's longest-serving volunteer.