The AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent Program honored its senior volunteers Friday morning.

The event celebrated the dedication, compassion and positive impact its senior volunteers have on the lives of children in the Valley.

The theme was "We Treasure Our Volunteers", with pirate gear playing a part in the theme.

The volunteers provide mentorship, tutoring and support to children and young people facing academic and social challenges.

"In the Mahoning Valley alone our volunteers in 2024 provided over 14,000 hours of volunteer service which is an amazing accomplishment," Jessica Saban, National Services Director of Axess Family Services, said. "Our volunteers as Ameri-Corps Seniors volunteers are 55 and older and all of them meet income guidelines, so this is a wonderful program."

Volunteers serve in a variety of settings, including schools, Head Start, shelters and youth organizations.