LEWISTON – Marie Bisson of Lewiston, retired from the Catholic Charities Maine SEARCH program, is back as a volunteer. Between rounds of golf, enjoying her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and trips all over the country, Bisson makes time to serve on the SEARCH Advisory Committee, volunteer for two SEARCH clients, and help with the management of SEARCH’s knitting project.

“I love to be active and to help those in need,” stated Bisson. “It is fun to see all the beautiful things that the SEARCH volunteer knitters make all year. The best part, though, is giving the knitted items to Community Concepts, Head Start children, the WIC program, St. Martin de Porres clothing closet, Hope Haven Gospel Mission, SeniorsPlus, and so many other places where children and families are served,” she concluded.

SEARCH stands for Seek Elderly Alone, Renew Courage and Hope. Its mission is to enable frail, vulnerable elderly and those with disabilities to remain independent and in their own homes for as long as possible.

The program began in 1975 and is supported by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, the United Way of Androscoggin County, the Helen and George Ladd Charitable Corporation, the JTG Foundation, the L and A Fund, the city of Lewiston Community Development Block Grant Program, the city of Auburn, Liberty Mutual, Grace Lutheran Church, and the Auburn/Lewiston Rotary Breakfast Club. Financial donations from individuals, businesses and civic groups are encouraged and may be sent to SEARCH, 15 Westminster St., Lewiston, ME 04240.

SEARCH is looking for interested persons of all ages and religious denominations who would like to be a friendly telephone caller, or visitor, or part-time helper for an elderly person in Androscoggin County. For more information about becoming a short-term or longer-term SEARCH volunteer or to refer someone as a client, call the program office at 784-0157.