Sometimes I think that the act of volunteering has gone out of style. In the several groups I’m involved with, I see familiar faces of people I went to school with long ago. We are mostly seniors now and continue to devote many hours to our communities – in addition to maintaining our family and homes. Some of us also have a part-time job. We all hope that our volunteering will “rub off” on younger people and they, too, will find the good feeling associated with this vital part of life.

Although I think of seniors as folks my own age, other organizations have a younger age range. For example, if you’re 55 or over, you might qualify to be a Foster Grandparent or Senior Companion.

You may have grandchildren of your own, but there are many youngsters who don’t have grandparents in their daily lives. For them, Foster Grandparents make their lives much richer.

The Foster Grandparent Program, a national organization, is sponsored locally by the Opportunity Alliance (formerly called PROP).

Through the Foster Grandparent Program, volunteers commit 15 to 40 hours a week in schools, child development centers, Head Start and homes, tutoring and mentoring children, some with special needs. Most of the people I know who were part of this program worked in schools in their hometown – and each of them raved to me about how much fun it was and how much they enjoyed it. The teachers who provided the guidelines for these “fosters” were also delighted to have them on board.

Volunteers meeting federal income guidelines receive a non-taxable stipend in return for volunteering 15-40 hours per week during the academic year and year-round programming. Interested applicants above the income guidelines are encouraged to apply if able to volunteer at least 10 hours per week during the academic year.

On the other end of the spectrum, there is a volunteer program called Senior Companions. Again, this is available to people 55-plus who enjoy helping their elders, particularly those who may live alone or are very frail. Senior Companions volunteers provide companionship, transportation to medical appointments, go grocery shopping or other essential errands – and respite for family caregivers. It’s a wonderful way to help support those elders who want to maintain their independence.

In return for a volunteer commitment of 15-40 hours a week, Senior Companions meeting federal income guidelines receive a non-taxable stipend. Interested applicants above the income guidelines are encouraged to apply if able to volunteer a minimum of 10 hours per week.

All volunteers receive meal and travel assistance, pre-service and ongoing training, supervision and recognition.

To receive an application packet for either Foster Grandparents or Senior Companions, call the program at 773-0202 or toll free 800-698-4959, or email susan.lavigne@opportunityalliance.org.

Kay Soldier welcomes reader ideas for column topics of interest to seniors. She can be reached by email at kso48@aol.com, or write to 114 Tandberg Trail, Windham, ME 04062.