TAMPA Dorothy Ford volunteered occasionally at Graham Elementary where her nieces and nephews attended. But she wanted to do more. "I was sitting at home getting fat, and I thought it was about time I got to doing something," said Ford, 68, who is retired. Through another volunteer at the school Ford learned of the foster grandparent program. It modestly reimburses volunteers, ranging in age from 60 to 93, who spend at least 20 hours a week helping in school classrooms, Head Start programs and shelters such as The Spring and Child Abuse Council. "It gives them the financial ability to volunteer," said Nancy McWilliams, Director of Community Relations for Seniors in Service Tampa Bay, which sponsors the program. ...more

February 18, 2009

Grandpa Pete wakes up early so he can get to school and help children off the bus. He bakes brownies on the weekends, making sure he has extras for the teachers. He will stop whatever he is doing to answer a question or listen to a problem. ...more

October 22, 2008

Grandpa Pete wakes up early so he can get to school and help children off the bus. He bakes brownies on the weekends, making sure he has extras for the teachers. He will stop whatever he is doing to answer a question or listen to a problem. ...more

October 22, 2008

TOWN 'N COUNTRY - Four days a week, Ruth Washington rises, puts on her makeup and gets dressed and goes to school. ...more

October 4, 2007