More Seniors Are Volunteering (NAPSA)—More older Americans are volunteering to help others in their community than ever before, studies report. Statistics from Volunteers of America show that almost a third of its more than 40,000 volunteers in 2000 were seniors, about double that of five years ago. Research by the International Longevity Center reveals that Americansare living longer, working longer and volunteering more often. Charles Gould, president of Volunteers of America, explained, “Older Americans are making a growing contribution as volunteers. Many seniors who volunteer in schools, social service programs, community projects, and church-basedactivities take great pride in making a meaningful contribution to society. “Seniors are a wonderful resource to tap to help people in need. Volunteers of America is making a special effort in 2001 to expandits volunteer programs, particularly amongseniors. America is celebrating the International Year of Volunteers in conjunction with the United Nations and this provides an excellent opportunity for seniors and others to offer some of their time to help others,” Gould added. In many communities across The “greatest generation” keeps on giving: researchers report more older Americans do volunteer work than ever before. the nation, Volunteers of America offers volunteer opportunities for seniors including serving as foster grandparents, as senior companions, as mentors to young people, and in other community-based volunteerefforts. Volunteers of America is a national, nonprofit, spiritually based organization providing local human service programs, and opportunities for individual and community involvement. For more information about senior volunteer programs, call Volunteers of America at 800-8990089 or visit the Web site, www.volunteersofamerica.org.
