Dan Riley, of Buchanan, is a volunteer with the Buchanan Senior Center. For the past six years, Riley has served as a jack of all trades, lending a hand at the facility wherever needed. Throughout his time as a volunteer, he has helped to assist on guided walks along the McCoy Creek Trail, prepare the newsletter and organize senior center events.

Riley is a retired cook, who served 13 years at his family’s restaurant, Sonny’s Lounge, in Buchanan.

How did you get involved with volunteering at the Buchanan Senior Center?

I started coming to the senior center and signed up to be a volunteer, where I do whatever they ask me to do. I wanted to the companionship of volunteering.

What would you say is your favorite part of volunteering?

My favorite part is meeting the people here at the center.

How do you feel you have the opportunity to help people?

I try and visit with everybody, and if they need something done, they ask me.

What do you get out of being a volunteer?

The comradery and just helping people with whatever they need to have done.

Why did you pick the Buchanan Senior Center as a place to volunteer?

Well, I started coming here for classes and then I just stayed and became a volunteer. I enjoy the classes they offer and, every once in a while, I would have lunch here. I decided I wanted to be a volunteer so that’s what I did.

[The senior center] offers a chance for people to get together and visit and take different programs that they have here. I think that people enjoy the programs and that is what drew me to the center. It’s a chance for those who attend to improve their health and visit with others.

Why would you encourage others to volunteer?

It gets you out of the house. Instead of sitting around and thinking about yourself, you can get out and help other people.