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Whoever came up with the saying, "You're as young as you feel" must have had someone like Mollie Washington in mind. Washington, 77, has been a volunteer in the Senior Companions program for 13 years. Helping others gives her energy and makes her feel spry despite her own advancing years.

Senior Companions, which is part of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, pairs volunteers with seniors in need of companionship and help with such tasks as preparing meals and bathing. Washington's daughter told her about the program shortly after Washington retired and was in search of something to occupy her free time. Now, after more than a decade of serving others, Washington rarely misses a day of volunteering; even her own health issues (she has undergone a triple bypass and back surgery in recent years and suffers from arthritis) don't slow her down for long.

It's all part of giving back for Washington, and she's grateful that God has given her the opportunity to serve others. The hours she spends volunteering have enriched the lives of many seniors in the Galveston-Houston area, but as far as Washington is concerned, she receives as much as she gives from the experience.