Editor’s note: This story is the first in an occasional series looking at the work of island nonprofits and their volunteers.

The Vashon Senior Center, which aims to enrich the lives of island seniors and help them age in their homes as long as they safely can, recently recognized the volunteers who help make those efforts possible.

As part of that celebration, Weslie Rodgers was named volunteer of the year.

Rodgers leads laughter, singing and craft classes and assists a visually impaired man with walking to the center twice a week, among other tasks.

“She is just a wonder,” senior center Executive Director Ava Apple said. “She brings joy every time she walks in the room.”

Rodgers is just one of nearly 100 volunteers who support the work of the center, Apple said. Almost 50 of those assist with the Neighbor to Neighbor program, providing help to seniors with everything from household and yard chores to dump runs and library pickups.

Other volunteers assist the agency with the monthly newsletter, Meals on Wheels and the Bluebird transportation program, which takes people to off-island medical appointments.

More volunteers are welcome, Apple said, including those who would like to teach a craft class, share stories and photos of an interesting trip or help provide on-island transportation.

At the heart of the senior center’s offerings is its lunch program, which draws 25 to 30 island seniors each day. They come for the food and the time to socialize. Apple has repeatedly stressed the importance of the opportunity to gather with others and she did so again last week.

“Many studies have proven that the lack of socialization shortens lives. Some have even shown (isolation) is worse than smoking,” she said.

The Senior Center now has 530 members — more than double the count of just five years ago. They participate in a variety of ways, Apple said: post-lunch programs, zumba classes, bridge, mahjong, movies and more.

Apple noted that island life can be challenging for seniors, with transportation and property management leading the list of difficulties many face.

“You move out here and get 5 acres and long driveways, and you age, and it’s way overwhelming,” she said.

Following those challenges, high property taxes and the lack of affordable housing follow close behind.

But the senior center — its people and programs — is intended to help with some of those challenges.

Looking to the new year, Apple said she hopes to strengthen the work the center has been doing and plans to welcome in a program that provides modified bike rides for seniors.

As for Rodgers, she said she was so moved by the senior center honor that she cried.

In addition to her weekly hours at the center, she also volunteers for Vashon Community Care and the Interfaith Council to Prevent Homelessness.

“Money has never been important to me. What is more important to me is to help other people.”