Roughly 2.2 million residents of Wisconsin are eligible for senior discounts at their favorite restaurant. This is to say, about 38% of our state’s residents are age 50 or older. We are among the nation’s oldest states by median age.

According to US Census reports, 15% of Dane County residents are over the age of 65, and these numbers are only going to grow.

Here are some organizations that you can volunteer with to give your senior neighbors in need a helping hand:

Little John’s, 5302 Anton Dr., Fitchburg
Little John’s is a community kitchen that transforms food excess into accessible, chef-quality meals for everyone, regardless of their means.

Its Evening Meals on Wheels program delivers meals to residents of Madison, Fitchburg, Middleton, Monona, and Sun Prairie.

Opportunities include:

Delivery
Kitchen: Help with meal packaging and preparation.

Madison Senior Center, 330 W. Mifflin St., Madison
Since 1983, the Madison Senior Center has engaged older adults as leaders, teachers, and learners to support and balance the goals of successful aging. With a mission to provide opportunities for older adults to be a part of the community, volunteers are always needed.

Opportunities include:

Arts and crafts projects
Computer lab
Gardening projects
Group or class leader: Do you have an interest that you would like to share?

NewBridge has three office locations in Madison. | Photo via NewBridge Madison | NewBridge Madison

NewBridge Madison, three Madison office locations
To ensure longer, healthier, and safer independent lives, NewBridge is a nonprofit that provides a variety of services and activities for older adults.

Opportunities include:

Home chores
Nutrition site volunteers
Personal finance
Snow Angels: Help seniors in winter shovel their driveways and sidewalks.

Senior Pet Connection
This national organization brings joy and companionship to the elderly while giving local shelter animals a forever home. Several local animal shelters are part of the program, including Angel’s Wish, Brown Paws Rescue, and Shelter From the Storm. They accept donations.

The Dane County Humane Society also works to provide pets for the elderly.