Foster Grandparents, a Catholic Charities program funded by the Corporation for National Service, has been the source of hundreds of retired volunteers for over 20 years. These amazing volunteers work between 15 and 40 hours per week in daycare centers, Head Start programs and elementary schools with children who cherish their help. They read books, help with elementary math skills, monitor lunch hours and most importantly support classroom teachers. We are proud and honored to be associated with this fantastic group of elders who choose to spend their days in the company of children.

GROW Associates Inc, is an Avon based non-profit committed to "design services that capture and support the needs of those adults with intellectual disabilities." Each day for the past three years the volunteers from GROW Associates have arrived together to assist food pantry guests at Catholic Charities South. The GROW volunteers bring an enthusiasm that is unmatched and a commitment to the mission of Catholic Charities that comes naturally -- treating all people with dignity and respect. Our staff volunteers and guests all look forward to this collaboration and the joy they bring to our pantry.

We are forever grateful to not only this year's exceptional volunteers, but to all of our volunteers, who bring to life the words of Anne Frank: "How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."

Our communities are truly enriched by their commitment to service.

Go to www.ccab.org to learn more about volunteer opportunities at Catholic Charities.

Deborah Kincade Rambo is the president of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Boston.