Sacramento, CA – Today the California Assembly approved ACR 111 by Assemblymember Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) to memorialize May 2008 as Senior Volunteer Month.

Each May, Americans observe Older Americans Month and celebrate the accomplishments and achievements of older Americans. There is a different theme each year established by the Administration on Aging in Washington DC. This year, the California Senior Legislature is sponsoring ACR 111 to acknowledge May 2008 for senior volunteerism.

“Senior volunteers contribute approximately 5.5 billion hours per year; a $71.2 billion value.  It is imperative that we recognize and honor these individuals who graciously lend a hand to a host of issues and make this state a better place to live,” Huffman said.

Fifty-four percent of senior volunteers are either employed full- or part-time, with 81 percent of those older than 75 years of age.

After approving the measure, the Assembly commemorated the work of senior volunteers who contribute through invaluable commitment by serving congregate and home delivered meals, working for the prevention of elder abuse, and providing health care counseling, among many other services. Senior Legislator Joanna Jim-Selby was on the Assembly floor to represent the California Senior Legislature.

ACR 111 will be heard next in the Senate.