At the age of 98, Marge Lockhart isn't just counting the years; she's making them count. For the past 17 years, Lockhart has been a steadfast volunteer with Clackamas County’s Senior Companion Program (SCP), where her presence has been more than a mere gesture of good will—it has evolved into a vital connection for many who are lonely, homebound seniors, and adults with disabilities in the community. Despite a memory that falters on the finer points of her early volunteering days, Lockhart's commitment is unwavering. "I can't remember," she admitted when asked how she first got involved with SCP, but her raison d'être couldn't be clearer, as she relays an intrinsic curiosity and deep-seated love for people, according to Clackamas County officials.
"I've always enjoyed the clients. It feels special to do something for others," Lockhart expressed in an interview. Her dedication does more than just keep her busy; it forges bonds that might otherwise fray in the silent passage of time. For clients who often exist on the peripheries of their familial circles, Lockhart's daily communications are a lifeline that reminds them they are far from forgotten. "I talk to them every day. I know I'm making life easier for them," she said on the Clackamas County website, emphasizing the impact her service has on those she aids.
For Lockhart, the reward of volunteering lies in feeling valued. The relationships she's nurtured over the years aren't rooted in the pursuit of acknowledgment but grounded in the knowledge that her presence is cherished. "I know my time is spent with people who appreciate it and find it important," she reflects on the time invested in her clients on the Clackamas County website. Humility might guide her service, but Lockhart's humor shines through, especially when she alludes to her own spirited nature. "I'm a busy bee!" she says with a laugh, highlighting how the satisfaction derived from witnessing her clients' lives improve is what keeps her going.
The Senior Companion Program offers more than just company; it's a lifeline that inspires individuals like Lockhart to redefine what it means to serve. At nearly a century old, her actions are lessons in selflessness—a manifestation of unwavering compassion for those in need. "I've learned to be compassionate for those in need," Lockhart states seriously on the Clackamas County website, underscoring the essence of the program that has not just shaped her own understanding of compassion but also enriched both her life and the lives of those she helps.
Based in Clackamas County, the SCP stands as a testament to the power of community engagement and the undeniable impact of volunteers like Lockhart. It provides crucial support to those who wish to live independently and safely for as long as possible, fend off isolation, and stay within the comforting bounds of familiarity—a mission Lockhart has embodied with her nearly a century of life, wisdom, and altruism.
