On Aug. 18, Fort Hays State University Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion volunteers from Barton and Pawnee counties gathered in Great Bend for a drive-through in-service event. Volunteers were provided a “to-go” meal from the Senior Center and informational materials were handed out. During the event, volunteers celebrating service anniversaries in July, August and September were recognized for their years of service. Foster 

Grandparent Sister LeAnn Probst, Great Bend, was honored for two years of service, and Senior Companion Sande Lugo, Larned, was recognized for her three years of service. 

Foster Grandparents are role models, mentors, and friends to children with exceptional needs. Senior Companions provide daily assistance and friendship to adults needing support to enable them to remain living in their homes as independently as possible. Both provide opportunities for volunteers age 55 and over to stay active by serving in their communities.

The programs are sponsored by Fort Hays State University and funded by AmeriCorps. AmeriCorps is the federal agency connecting individuals and organizations through service and volunteering to tackle the nation’s most pressing challenges. Support for these programs is also provided by many of the counties in which volunteers serve. FHSU Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion volunteers serve in Barton, Ellis, Ford, Gove, Graham, Hodgeman, Logan, Ness, Pawnee, Phillips, Rooks, Rush, Russell and Trego, counties. 

To find out how you can volunteer, call 785-628-5809.