(NAPSA)—Older Americans have helped drive the volunteer force in America. In fact, one study found 43 percent of people over age 75 said they volunteer. One reason for seniors’ generosity may be their sense of civic duty. When President Bush asked all Americans to devote at least 4,000 hours over the course of their lifetimes to national and community service, he specifically challenged older Americans to share their experience and skills with those in need. It has also become easier for seniors to learn about volunteer opportunities in their areas. For example, Senior Corps, administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, now offers an online volunteer recruitment system (for people over age 55) at www.seniorcorps.org. The system was introduced in June at the National Conference on Community Volunteering and National Service held in Salt Lake City, Utah. Since then, more than 50,000 new volunteer opportunities have been added on the system with the number of opportunities growingdaily. First Lady Laura Bush wasin Salt Lake City and had an opportunity to observe a live demonstration of the system. Users simply plug in their ZIP codes and indicate ~- pes wae First Lady Laura Bush observes a live demonstration of the Senior Corps online recruit- ment system. the locations and activity areas in which they are willing to volunteer. The system then provides the user with a list of available opportunities complete with short descriptions. Users then choose the activity that interests them and can contact the organization. “The Internet is a wonderful way to help thousands of older Americans answer the President's Call to Service,” says Leslie Lenkowsky, CEO of the Corporation. “The system allows them to find meaningful opportunities that fit their particular interest, skills schedule andlifestyle.” To find a volunteer opportunity in your community, visit the Senior Corps on the Web at www.seniorcorps.org or call 1-800- 424-8867 (TTY: 1-800-833-3722).
