Catholic Charities Maine has recognized the volunteer service of Anne Skelton of Auburn.
April 21-27 is National Volunteer Week, and Catholic Charities has more than 500 volunteers who give 33,000 hours of support to its 20-plus programs statewide every year. Their work equates to approximately $1 million in time donated, according to Kelly Day, director of Volunteer Services at Catholic Charities Maine, said in a news release.
Skelton is a member of the organization’s SEARCH (Seek Elderly Alone, Renew Courage & Hope) team that serves older neighbors. Skelton volunteers for the Androscoggin site. SEARCH also connects isolated seniors with community volunteers throughout Androscoggin and Sagadahoc counties and in parts of Franklin, Lincoln, Oxford, Penobscot and Cumberland counties.
When a serious accident in 2017 forced Skelton to retire early from her 24-year career of teaching elementary school, she was looking for volunteer opportunities. “I wanted to give more back to our community,” she explained. “I really enjoy providing companionship and transportation support to older clients.” Skelton helps older neighbors with grocery shopping, errands and medical appointments, and she helps connect them to other community resources. When she has time, she socializes, plays games, or has lunch with clients.
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