Being involved with children can be joyous for you as well as the children. Even if you've been active in community affairs all your life, raising money for charities and good causes, there is something unique about offering your time as a grandparent. The difference is love.

If you live close to your grandchild, you can be involved in their lives in different ways. For example, you may enjoy participating in school or recreational programs:

• Volunteer to be Room Grandma or Grandpa. Schools never have enough Room Parents, and with so many parents working, you'll be doubly appreciated.
• Join the Parent Association and get involved with the lunch program or whatever else interests you.
• Help with the class party on your favorite holiday.
• Supervise or carpool during a school field trip.
• Give a special presentation the students would find interesting. Ask the teacher for suggestions. Depending on the age, you could help kids make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, an egg carton caterpillar, or a mural.
• Help staff a bake sale.
• Have a grandparents' booth at the school carnival and charge a nickel per hug!