Volunteer Services for Diabetics was founded in 1983 by Donald and Denise Hockenberry and a small group of friends and family members. The family was left without insurance to care for the needs of their five year old daughter, Kara after Donald Hockenberry had lost his job as a supervisor at U.S. Kolbe when its Coke Plant closed.

The couple’s daughter was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at the age of 14 months. In 1977, Kara was Rainbows Babies and Children’s youngest child ever diagnosed with this disease. Kara was immediately put on insulin and has remained insulin dependent her entire life.

Exhausting the few resources Lorain County had to offer for assistance of Kara’s medical supplies the young couple decided to try to make a difference in the lives of Lorain County diabetics finding themselves in the same position. With the help of a local attorney that donated his time to charter and assist the organization with becoming a 501(c)3 organization, the couple began on a journey of helping Lorain County residents with life saving medical supplies necessary to sustain their medical treatment until a cure is found.

Denise Hockenberry was one of the 1993 Maxwell House Real Heroes. The Maxwell House Real Heroes is a national awards program that celebrates Americans who make selfless contributions and personal sacrifices to better their communities and other people’s lives. Fifty individuals were chosen as “Real Heroes” through a nationwide search which received thousands of nominations. A flag was flown over the United States Capitol on October 15, 1993 in honor of Denise. To view additional photos from the event, click here. To view an article from The Senior Years, click here.

Volunteer Services for Diabetics is a totally self-funded organization raising funds through their Monday and Thursday bingo game in addition to special event raisers. In addition to providing medical supplies to low income Lorain County residents, the organization now provides a “Diabetic Fitness” program. Lorain County children are assisted with camperships to “Camp Ho Mita Koda” which is located in Newbury, Ohio and is a camp for diabetic children.

In the 22 years of continued existence, Volunteer Services for Diabetics has proudly been able to make significant financial donations to the International Juvenile Diabetics Association as well as Camp Ho Mita Koda.