Name: Anne Ciarletta

Age: 84

Family:  Anne’s late husband, Joseph, encouraged her to get involved with volunteering 22 years ago

Organization where you volunteer and for how long?

On Aug. 4, 1986, the NJ Veterans Home opened its doors and in walked Anne Ciarletta. Twenty-two years and more than 20,000 volunteer hours later, she is still there. Anne is a member of the Cliffside Park American Legion Auxiliary in New Jersey. When the VA Home opened, a committee of eight women decided to volunteer to help the home get started.  Anne is the only one of the original team still volunteering. Anne also has been a member of the Volunteer Center of Bergen County’s RSVP (Retired Seniors Volunteer Program) since 2003.

Recent work with the organization?

Anne works at the VA Home five days a weeks and  does anything and everything she is asked to do and more.  Her many jobs include transporting residents to social events both in and out of the home, giving weekly tours of the facility to prospective residents’ families and social service agencies, sorting and delivering residents’ mail, and reading letters to anyone who needs assistance.  She writes letters for residents as well.  She volunteers at many of the social and recreational programs at the home, including bingo. She also crochets afghans for the residents "in her spare time."

Why did you become a volunteer?

"I’ve volunteered all my life in town and with organizations, but the VA home is ‘my baby.’ I have a special place in my heart for veterans — they have given their time, their health and in many ways their lives to serve their country and make a better life for me.  Now, they need me, that is why I am here."

What has been the best part of being a volunteer?

"Interacting with the veterans. There are those who have been here for years, now we are seeing, new, younger veterans. I just love being here, helping in any way I can. Helping someone else makes you feel better than you did before!"