Leslie Nelson knows how important volunteers are to the lives of seniors in residential homes.

Nelson used to work in a home in the Twin Cities before she moved to Albert Lea around five years ago. While working, she realized how important volunteers are to the lives of seniors.

That is why she decided to make regular visits to Oak Park Place on Bridge Avenue with her daughter Justine.

&uot;The one-on-one contact, you can tell they enjoy it,&uot; Nelson said.

Nelson said that the residents enjoy seeing Justine, 3, and that she brings a smile to their face with just about anything she does. Justine also looks forward to visiting the seniors and likes to sing and dance for them.

Besides visiting the seniors, Nelson will bring some of them to the mall to get a few things or bring them outside when the weather is nice.

Nelson knows her visits help people enjoy the day a little bit more.

&uot;I probably get just as much out of it as they do,&uot; she said. &uot;I just enjoy it.&uot;

If you are interested in volunteering with Oak Park Place, call 373-5600 for more information.