CHEER Administration’s Volunteer(s) of the Year
A Lifetime of Giving: Celebrating Nick and Joann Varrato
In a world that often measures success by personal gain, Nick and Joann Varrato have spent decades measuring it by something far more enduring: service to others. With an incredible 72 years of combined service to CHEER, the couple was recently honored as Volunteers of the Year, a title that barely scratches the surface of the impact they have had on the community.
A Legacy of Service
For the Varratos, the spirit of service wasn’t something they discovered later in life – it was woven into their upbringing. Joann remembers her mother as a devoted volunteer and, for the couple, giving back became a cornerstone of their life together, with both starting their work for CHEER while still employed full-time.
Nick’s introduction to the organization began nearly 36 years ago after his church board presented him with volunteer opportunities at CHEER. Joann quickly joined him and the two have been an inseparable team ever since, never serving as members, but always as dedicated volunteers.
Their contributions have been vast and varied:
• Meals on Wheels: The couple serves as Meals on Wheels drivers.
• Leadership: Joann acts as the route coordinator for Grace United Methodist Church, which delivers in the Long Neck area.•Board Service: Nick served on the CHEER Board from November 1995 until July 2023.
• Holiday Spirit: They have faithfully volunteered for Operation Christmas CHEER for more than 25 years.
• Deeply Dedicated
Robin Greene, Congregate Program Manager, highlights the impact of their longevity and commitment: “Nick and Joann Varrato have faithfully volunteered for Operation Christmas CHEER for more than 25 years. In addition, they also volunteer as Meals on Wheels drivers and Joann is the route coordinator for Grace United Methodist Church that delivers in the Long Neck area. Nick and Joann are deeply dedicated, dependable, and consistently go above and beyond in their service. Their commitment reflects the very best of volunteer service and the heart of Operation Christmas CHEER.
• Moments of Impact
The Varratos find their work deeply rewarding, noting that delivering meals to homebound clients who truly appreciate their time and effort is a gift in itself. One moment, in particular, solidified their lifelong commitment to the mission. During “Operation Christmas CHEER,” the couple delivered gifts to a senior citizen on Christmas morning who burst into tears upon their arrival. Nick and Joann soon realized they were her only visitors that day, a profound moment that serves as the reason they continue to volunteer every Christmas morning.
When asked for advice for those looking to follow in their footsteps, their message is simple and heartfelt: “Never stop volunteering, because you will never regret the immense joy and happiness you bring to others”.
As the CHEER community celebrates their recognition as Volunteers of the Year, Nick and Joann remain humble, continuing to show us all that the most meaningful work we can do is the work we do for someone else.
CHEER appreciates the years of dedication that Nick and Joann Varrato have provided to our older neighbors. Every day, volunteers fill vital roles that serve essential needs. If you have time to spare, learn more about volunteering at CHEER by visiting www.cheerde.com/volunteer.
CEO Perspective July 2026