Gardens of the World volunteers saluted

Newbury Park resident Brenda Cochran believes in expressing her appreciation to local volunteers.

She recently welcomed 12 docents from the Gardens of the World with a full lunch served in a Victoria-style tearoom in her home.

April was Volunteer Appreciation month and Cochran decided to honor the people who volunteer their time at the gardens for the benefit of the community.

"I believe that in these times it is important to look at community and appreciate those who make it the wonderful place it is to live. I just want to celebrate the goodness in people and I have chosen to do it by opening my home to special people and making them know they are appreciated," said Cochran.

Cochran worked for the American Red Cross for more than 10 years, and her passion for giving back started when she saw firsthand how the goodness of humanity can make a difference when disaster strikes.

She’s previously hosted the Alzheimer’s Association Cama-rillo Chapter and the Ventura Music Festival Association members. She chose to recognize and invite 12 docents of the Gardens of the World to her home as a way of recognizing the time they give while providing tours to visitors. "The benefit I receive is the pure enjoyment of providing a smile to some very special people," said Cochran.

Any organization with volunteers deserving of recognition in this special way can contact Cochran at (805) 375-7246 or go visit teaandgratitude@juno.com.