DEAR ABBY: I have been a volunteer at a veterans hospital here in Maine for the past five years. It has been extremely rewarding. Sadly, I won't be able to continue. Because of the price of gas, I can no longer afford to drive the 100-mile round-trip.
These hospitals are losing many volunteers because of this. If I lived closer, I would continue with the work. I am asking people who live within a reasonable distance of any VA hospital to go sign up. Volunteers are needed as office workers, groundskeepers, people to help transport veterans from building to building in the hospital, and in numerous other positions. I know there are people sitting around bored, with nothing to do. Retired people can sign up, including men.
Abby, volunteers have to take only a short, one-day training class to familiarize themselves with the safety and rules of the hospital. The work is fulfilling, and you even get a free meal if you stay more than three or four hours. -- GLORIA P., FREEDOM, MAINE
DEAR GLORIA P.: As sorry as you are to leave, I'm sure the people at the VA are even sorrier to see you go. Our veterans have given so much to this country, we owe it to them to see they get the help they need. Readers, if you're interested, call your nearest VA hospital and ask for the volunteer office.