The following was written by Michelle, a volunteer with Hearts and Hands, a nonprofit that helps seniors and the disabled.

In 2008 I retired and moved to Orcas full time. By the next year,  I was anxious to get involved in volunteer work and through Betsy Louton at the Senior Center I learned about “Hearts and Hands.”

After talking with Betsy, and having a better understanding of how volunteers can help seniors and disabled persons maintain independence and quality of life, I immediately knew I wanted to be a volunteer for this program. A month or so later I had the pleasure of meeting Grace Kidder, an 87-year-old woman living on her own who was in need of some help around the house. Grace and I hit it off immediately and over time we developed a special friendship.

The Hearts and Hands program is an amazing opportunity to give back. I visited Grace weekly. Sometimes we just talked – she had a wealth of information to share about Orcas, as she had lived here for many years. As a newcomer to the island, I got to learn more about island life and she got to share her stories. Sometimes we would play card games. Most often, I helped with chores.

She wrote letters to friends and family, but as time went on, it became more difficult for her to write. She loved to send holiday cards, but that became difficult. So I brought my computer to her home and she talked while I typed. That year she was able to send a “holiday newsletter” to friends and family.

Grace passed away peacefully in early August. I’ll miss our time together. If it wasn’t for the Hearts and Hands program, our paths may have never crossed.

The organization is financed through fundraising activities of the Senior Center Advisory Committee. The support we receive from United Way is critical in ensuring the continuation of this program.

To support United Way, mail your gift to P.O. Box 3181, Friday Harbor, WA 98250 or online at www.unitedway-sanjuancounty.org.