Sitting down with seniors during their weekly lunches, Didier Gincig hears about the triumphs and sorrows of the island’s older generation. It’s a glimpse into what are often very private lives.

As the new director of Hearts and Hands, Gincig will be using that knowledge to help those in need.

“I’m enthusiastic about making a difference in people’s lives,” he said.

Hearts and Hands pairs volunteers with seniors or the disabled who are in need. It can be as simple as weekly visits or helping with tasks like transportation.

Betsy Louton has overseen the program for the past five years, since it merged with the Orcas Senior Center. She stepped down in mid-January and has been training Gincig in his new role.

“I am eternally grateful for the lives that have touched me,” Louton said. “And the support from the community has been so gratifying … It’s time for new vigor. I had to tell myself for a full year that I would retire so that I actually did it.”

Gincig was director of Orcas Rec for 13 years and left five years ago. He is energized by his new job and the prospect of helping a very special segment of the community.

Hearts and Hands receives referrals from neighbors and family members or through the senior center. It then matches a volunteer with a senior based on their location and personal interests.

“We don’t cold call anyone,” Louton said. “Some people are reticent to receive help because they think someone else needs it more.”

The goal of Hearts and Hands is to help islanders maintain their quality of life and independence. That can mean helping someone get to their physical therapy appointment or sitting down with a cup of tea.

“For some seniors, when their world shrinks, they become lonely,” Louton said. “Someone coming to see them makes such a difference in their lives.”

For those tasks that Hearts and Hands volunteers cannot assist with, Gincig will act as a liaison with other organizations like the churches or Oddfellows.

Louton says the bond that forms between volunteers and seniors is fulfilling for everyone involved.

“It’s a very rich relationship on both sides,” Louton said. “If you ask a volunteer, they will tell you, ‘We’re all going to be there at some point. They can teach us how to live with grace.’”

Gincig is looking for more volunteers, especially those who are younger. The next orientation session is on Feb. 19 – call 376-7723 to sign up.

There are three main criteria for being a volunteer: the ability to keep information confidential, understand boundaries and have compassion. The commitment is typically one to two hours per week.

Hearts and Hands is funded by private donations and money from the Orcas Island Community Foundation and United Way. The Senior Advisory Committee is looking at expanding its offerings to include nutrition and transportation. It will be evaluating how Hearts and Hands fits into that and if it needs to expand.

“I have large, creative ideas but I know there are parameters,” Gincig said.