Stories of Service

Eleanor Lopez enjoys the work she does for the foster grandparent program. Lopez volunteers at Bright Starts Enrichment Program, which is a daycare and preschool facility, and she said she enjoys working with the children. “You have to like kids to volunteer here, which I really do,” Lopez said. “Some people ask how I can stand the noise, but I don’t mind it.” Eleanor is in her second year with the program. She heard about the program while she was working at a hospital, and joined up as soon as she could. “When I was still working, I wasn’t old enough to take part in the program,” Lopez said. “But once I retired, I had all this spare time, and since I was old enough I decided to start volunteering.” Eleanor says she helps the kids out by making sure they’re getting along, as well as helping out with things such as puzzles and games. She says sometimes the simplest gesture is all they need. “If they need a hug, I’m there for them,” Eleanor said. “It’s a really nice program, I’d recommend it.”