The physical and emotional needs of people who are struggling with debilitating illnesses can be difficult to meet, but a volunteer service organization sponsored by Georgia Southern University (GSU) has been spreading comfort in a nine-county region for the past 17 years.

The GSU Area Senior Companion Program recruits and trains individuals 60 years of age and older to provide assistance and friendship to frail, usually elderly clients.

Whether they are helping out with a few light household chores or simply engaging in conversation, the senior companion volunteers have brightened the lives of hundreds of clients since the program’s creation in 1988.

"One of the great strengths of this nation is the willingness of the citizenry to volunteer their time and effort to strengthen the community," said Margie H. Pevey, the project director for the Senior Companion Program. "And, given the considerable positive impact it has had on this region, our program is one of South Georgia’s best-kept secrets."

The Senior Companion Program is housed in GSU’s Center for Rural Health and Research, which is an entity of the College of Health and Human Sciences. The program serves Bryan, Bulloch, Candler, Effingham, Emanuel, Evans, Jenkins, Screven and Tattnall counties.

During the 2004-2005 fiscal year, the 60 volunteers in the GSU area program generated a total of 49,292 hours of in-home care.

"Each volunteer typically gives up to 20 hours a week caring for clients," Pevey said, "but any amount of time to help those in need is appreciated."

A component of the National Senior Service Corps, the Senior Companion Program is federally funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service. A small stipend and a nominal fee for mileage and meals are available for volunteers who meet income eligibility requirements.

According to estimates, the GSU Area Senior Companion Program returned more than $154,000 to the economy of the nine-county service area during the last fiscal year.

The total value of the program, however, cannot be measured in dollars and cents.

"Volunteerism not only affects the misfortunate and the needy, but it also has a positive impact on the individual offering their time and service," said Stuart Tedders, the executive director of the GSU Area Senior Companion Program. "The benefits of volunteering in the community may include increased self-confidence and self-esteem, a sense of self-satisfaction and altruism, more opportunities to socialize and the potential of acquiring new skills."

The GSU Area Senior Companion Program is always looking for new volunteers as well as monetary donations. For more information, call Pevey at (912) 681-0712 or Tedders at (912) 681-0260.