Helga Richards, 76, of Calvin Township, is a volunteer at the Cass County Council on Aging, the Cassopolis Veteran of Foreign Wars, the Conservation Department and at Zion Lutheran Church in Bristol, Indiana.

How long have you been volunteering?

Eight years, since I’ve been retired.

What do you do when you volunteer?

At the COA, I help out the with special events. Whenever they have something special going on, I like to help out. I’ve helped out with etiquette and children’s safety [events] and the Grand Fest. I volunteer at the VFW and my church and the Conservation Department. [At my church,] I help with the pancake breakfasts they do, and I volunteer at the food pantry with them. On Wednesday, I help at the VFW with the veterans’ luncheon. And with the conservation department, I also help with their special events, like the tree sale.

What is your favorite part about volunteering?

I can’t think of a favorite. I enjoy all of it, really.

Why do you want to be involved in the community through volunteerism?

I think this is a great community to live in, and I’m healthy enough that I can do it. I appreciate that. It’s nice to be able to give a helping hand.

What kind of personal satisfaction do you get out of volunteering?

The personal satisfaction comes from the people I work with, especially at the COA. They work so hard trying to think of things to keep us healthy, to keep us happy. It’s a joy to work with them because they have our best interests at heart.

Why do you think volunteering is important?

It keeps you healthier, because you have something to look forward to. It is socialization with other people and lending a helping hand at the same time.

How would you encourage others to volunteer?

I would love for people to volunteer and be aware about what a jewel we have with the Council on Aging in Cassopolis. That is something that it would be nice to see people take more advantage of and see the joy they get out of it.