Virginia "Ginny" Skodras exemplifies commitment, kindness, and persistence. Serve Rhode Island recognizes Ginny as a VolunCheers! Volunteer due to her years of service as a volunteer for the Senior Companion Program. Ginny, demonstrating her tremendous commitment, strength, and talents, has spent the last 30 years of her life volunteering, and is still going strong at age 87.

Ginny began volunteering at the Providence VA Medical Center 30 years ago where she would visit her husband who was being treated after his military service during World War II. She would also spend time visiting other patients during her husband's time there. After her husband passed away, despite being recently widowed and having a 4 year-old daughter to raise on her own, she continued to volunteer at the VA for an additional 5 years. She then joined the Senior Companion Program where she has been volunteering for the last 25 years.

Throughout her years of service, Ginny has accumulated quite a portfolio of fascinating stories and experiences. They share a theme of hope, companionship, and inclusion to many of the people she serves. One of her most astonishing assignments is serving as a Senior Companion to the same family for 16 years, first visiting the father who was a U.S. Veteran, and following his passing, continuing to visit his son. Ginny also spent time with a former Postmaster General of Rhode Island, spending hours listening to stories weaving the fabric of his life.

The Senior Companion Program, sponsored by the Rhode Island Department of Human Services Division of Elderly Affairs and funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service, serves many purposes by enlisting volunteers who are 55 and over and have a limited income. The volunteers receive a tax-free stipend and other benefits when volunteering between 20 to 40 hours per week. Today, 82 volunteers meet many needs such as food shopping and reading the mail to approximately 1008 frail, isolated adults in Rhode Island each year. To find out more details about the Senior Companion Program, visit their website at http://www.seniorcorps.gov.

Ginny Skodras, 87 years young, is truly inspirational, continuing to lead by example today as she continues to volunteer 35 hours per week. In the spring of 2012, she will be recognized by the Division of Elderly Affairs. Serve Rhode Island is honored to name her a VolunCheers! Volunteer of the Year.