Hattie Carpenter is 83 years old, and she loves her job.

"We have no responsibilities; we're just there to love children," she said.

Carpenter is referring to the volunteer job she's had for 22 years. She is a foster grandparent at Little Rascals Daycare Center in Athens.

She works four hours each day, five days a week as a participant in the Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development's Foster Grandparent Program.

The program provides a chance for low-income senior citizens to volunteer as tutors and mentors for children, said Linda Gilden, program coordinator.

Gilden said Congress started the program nationally in 1965, and COAD incorporated it locally in 1972 to serve Athens, Perry and Hocking counties.

She said about 12 grandparents are active in Athens County.

The program has existed so long because it costs few federal dollars for the good that it does, Gilden said.

She said the program focuses on helping children with special needs such as speech, behavior and academic problems, as well as working to help children with separation anxiety and teaching socialization skills.

Ruby Kilkenny, manager at Little Rascals, said the extra help and one-on-one attention the children receive as beneficial. The children often show an eventual improvement in their areas of need, she said.

Kilkenny said the children look forward to seeing the grandparents every day and ask about them when they are not at the center.

"They have formed a definite bond with the grandparents," she said.

Carpenter said she has a loving, enjoyable time working with the children, who call her "grandma," and says she will continue to work at the day care center as long as she is able.

She said she encourages other people to join the program because it is not hard work and it benefits the children, grandparents and the places where they volunteer.

Gilden said foster grandparents are needed at some sites in the area, and applications are being accepted.

To apply, a person must be at least 60 years old and have an annual income of not more than $10,300 if single or $13,825 as a couple to receive a stipend, she said.

Gilden said applicants can be slightly more than the income guideline, and those who do not meet the guidelines can volunteer without receiving a stipend.

People who do meet these guidelines receive $2.25 an hour, which does not count as income and will not affect eligibility for any benefits already received.