Most people may not look at turning 40 as a significant milestone. But when it is an organization that does as much as the Foster Grandparents program, four decades is worth celebrating.

The Foster Grandparents program was honored last week for its tremendous service to the community and for all the lives that the volunteers have touched over the years.

The program is operated through the Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development, a non-profit community-based organization with a mission to “provide a unified voice and representation for its member agencies and the constituents that they serve — primarily low-income families, children, and the elderly. Since 1971, COAD has worked to improve the quality of life for all residents of Appalachian Ohio.”

In this day and age, when civic organizations struggle to grow — or even maintain — membership, it is encouraging to see an organization like this that continues to find ways to make a difference.

Volunteers are placed in a variety of settings such as schools, Head Start programs, daycare centers, MR-DD programs, juvenile justice facilities, hospitals and libraries.

The Foster Grandparents selflessly donate their time, helping children get the attention and education they need.

Anyone who currently is or has ever been part of the program should take a bow because it takes years of service by countless individuals to reach this milestone.

Congratulations! Here’s is to 40 more years.