Carolyn Lewis said she has never considered why she volunteers.

She just does.

Lewis fell into volunteering at the Grace Martin Harwell Senior Center in Washington. After retiring as a teacher, she attended the center nearly every day and got involved in many of its activities.

When Lewis heard the center needed volunteers, she stepped up to the plate. She does general office work twice a month and works in the center’s library once a week.

“I enjoy helping out and being around the seniors,” she said. “They’re lots of fun and they have lots of experiences.”

Lewis said many people are not aware of all the center has to offer. The library has computers available, and it allows seniors to check out puzzles, books and games.

Lewis recommended the center as a great place to spend a day, even if it is just to get out of the summer heat.

“Some people tend, as they get older, to be lonely. People need a place to go,” Lewis said. “And it’s free.”

All of the services are free to anyone 55 years and older.

Lewis said she enjoys the fellowship.

When she is not volunteering, Lewis enjoys playing bridge at the center. She learned to play a year ago.

“It’s good for an old brain,” Lewis said of the challenging card game. “It keeps your brain nourished.”

For more information about the center and its activities, call 252-975-9368, send email to senior.center@washingtonnc.gov or stop by for a visit at 310 W. Main St. (the Peterson Building), next door to the Civic Center.