PARIS – Once again the Oxford Hills Chapter of AARP presented 20 May gift bags to senior companions who then delivered them to their homebound clients.

The colorful bags were filled with useful and fun items, which helped brighten the day of many isolated elderly. President Betty Hayes stated, “The AARP slogan is ‘to serve, not be served’ so the Oxford Hills Chapter is involved in local service projects.” The bags were purchased and assembled by the members at a monthly meeting.

Sandra Brown, a senior companion from Oxford, who has clients in the Oxford Hills area, commented, “They were so excited and happy with the gifts. They thought it was wonderful that people cared enough to do this for them.”

June Marston, a senior companion in the South Paris area, said, “One of my clients is a diabetic and she really enjoyed receiving the sugar free candy that was in the bag.”

Senior companions spend 15 to 40 hours a week doing friendly visiting with homebound elderly clients. They provide companionship by taking walks together, sharing lunch, reading, writing letters, reminiscing and being a friend. They also provide respite services for family caregivers. The Senior Companion Program has been sponsored by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension for over 20 years. In Oxford and Androscoggin counties Cooperative Extension has been partnered with Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice for 10 years and Senior Companions visit their clients.

For more information about the Senior Companion Program contact Anna Saar at the Oxford County Extension Office at 743-6329 or 1-800-287-1482.

The Oxford Hills Chapter is one of 12 AARP chapters in Maine. It was formed in February 2000 and meets the second Monday of each month at the VFW Hall on East Main Street in South Paris. New members 50 and over are welcome. For more information contact Betty Hayes at 527-2105.