For Leora Walling, the children and employees at HeadStart are like children to her. When she walks in, children run to greet her with hugs and HeadStart employees greet her with a smile.
"The main thing is the children, I adore them," Walling said.
She has volunteered as a foster grandparent for eight years. She works with children of all ages at HeadStart in Fulton, giving her time when she can to help out with the students. The students, she said, even call her grandma when she stops by. She described spending time with the children as a highlight of her day.
"The children - the most pleasure I can think of is helping them grow," Walling said.
Walling visited HeadStart for a different reason Wednesday: to celebrate Mayors Day of Recognition for National Service. The city of Fulton participated and read a proclamation to volunteers at HeadStart Wednesday. Volunteers from The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program from SERVE Inc. and volunteers from the Foster Grandparent Program through Central Missouri Community Action (CMCA) attended to hear the proclamation read and enjoy refreshments while talking to other volunteers about their experiences.
Julie McNeill, Foster Grandparent Program manager, said 2015 is the 50th year for the program. Even though it was organized in 1965, McNeill said what it offers is still a need today.
"It's a program just as needed today as it was 50 years ago. There are children who need extra attention and older people who have time to give," McNeill said.
Walling's daughter first told her about the Foster Grandparent Program. Walling wanted to get involved and volunteer in the community, she said, and had been looking for an opportunity. In her eight years working with Head Start through the Foster Grandparent Program, Walling said she has grown to appreciate and love all of the teachers there.
"They're all my kids. The teachers are my big kids," Walling said.
McNeill said volunteers in the program make a big difference and the program provides an opportunity for seniors to stay active in their community.
McNeill said that anyone interested in volunteering with the Foster Grandparent Program can contact her at (573) 443-8706 ext. 1131.