BUCHANAN — On June 28, the Miracle-Ear Foundation donated a free set of hearing aids to 73-year-old Albert Starkweather, of Buchanan.

Starkweather, who was diagnosed with moderately severe hearing loss, completed an application through the nonprofit and was chosen as a recipient of the hearing aids.

Starkweather is an avid volunteer and he is known around his community for dedicating his time to local food pantries.

Susan Peterson a representative with Miracle-Ear, said Starkweather returned to Miracle-Ear for a check-up this week.

“He was beaming,” Peterson said. “He couldn’t wait to tell me all the wonderful sounds, voices he could now hear. This is why I do what I do for over 21 years. I like to say that I increase the quality of their lives through amplification that the Foundation provides. We believe that everyone should hear and enjoy life.”

The Miracle-Ear Foundation’s goal is to help underserved Americans with limited income and no other resources for hearing aids. The Niles office is located at 1711 Oak St.