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Senior citizens across Erie County are making a difference by volunteering their time and talents, and their contributions were recognized Tuesday during the AmeriCorps Seniors National Celebration.<\/p>\n
About 175 area seniors were honored during a special luncheon at the Erie Yacht Club.<\/p>\n
The volunteers serve through two programs overseen by the Greater Erie Community Action Committee (GECAC): the Foster Grandparent Program and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program.<\/p>\n
Karen Hund, program director for the Erie Foster Grandparent Program, said the volunteers play an important role throughout Erie County. Their contributions include helping other seniors, creating Christmas gifts and serving as foster grandparents.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe difference they make here in our community can’t be touched,\u201d Hund said.<\/p>\n
She said every senior citizen has something valuable to contribute, and program directors work to match volunteers’ skills and interests with community needs.<\/p>\n
The luncheon also featured an America 250 theme, with red, white and blue decorations, and outfits all around<\/p>\n
As part of the celebration, the Erie-area volunteers joined senior volunteers from across the country in watching the national AmeriCorps Seniors celebration.<\/p>\n
GECAC encourages people 55 and older who would like to volunteer in the community to get involved with its AmeriCorps Seniors programs.<\/p>\n