Mary Russo founded the Office of Volunteer Resources in 1978 and served as its director until her death in March 2014. She served her entire term as a volunteer herself.

In 1999, the City of Virginia Beach dedicated the Volunteer Recognition Garden to honor past and present volunteers who gave, and continue to give, their time and talents to make Virginia Beach a better community. On April 15, 2014, the City renamed the garden the Mary C. Russo Volunteer Recognition Garden in her honor.

The garden is located behind City Hall at the Municipal Center, bordered by North Landing Road and George Mason Drive, and is a place of beauty for all to enjoy.

The Volunteer Recognition Garden was paid for through the generosity of private residents and businesses and is tended year-round by municipal employees as a symbol of unity between the City and volunteers.