Children and teachers matched with senior citizens are benefiting from a community partnership program called the Senior Tax Exchange Program (STEP) in the Altoona school district. The children and teachers gain from the senior citizens’ time and talents.  In exchange, Altoona seniors get a property tax credit and a whole lot more, including smiles, respect, and sometimes even hugs.

During the 2014-15 school year, the eighth for STEP, 23 volunteers provided 1,400 volunteer hours, according to program coordinator Joyce Orth. During the recently completed 2015-16 school year, the number of STEP volunteers rose to nearly 40, boosting volunteer hours to more than 1,770.

Larry Fisher, a current STEP volunteer, helped in the Pedersen Elementary School library, where he performed typical library clerk duties, “except dusting, as I said no to that,” he said with a chuckle.

Fisher, whose wife passed away recently, liked volunteering so much that he went from the required 60 hours to 300 hours, which amazed him because he wasn’t particularly fond of the kids in the beginning. “The kids started to grow on me – the smiles and respect I gave and got – from students, teachers, and aides,” he shares. “My greatest joy is I could imagine my 7-year-old granddaughter here, and I don’t see her often enough.”

Jack Blackburn, a former STEP volunteer and former mayor of Altoona, volunteered in the Altoona Middle School Library Media Center, where he became known as the “slightly crazy uncle.”

“If something isn’t fun, I won’t do it,” he explained with a laugh.

“My strong suit is solving problems,” he continued seriously. “For students who were bored with their studies, I got them involved with creative endeavors, such as National History Day. And for those who were lost, stuck, or hopeless, I listened to understand, and generally, a little laughter was all they needed.”

Amanda Mussehl, an Altoona High School special education teacher, worked with two STEP volunteers during the most recent school year. “It was my first year in the program, and my two volunteers were somewhat unsure about what they could offer my students,“ she said.  “They brought their interests in crafts, woodworking, and music, which resulted in a great experience for my students! The looks on their faces were priceless as they hugged goodbye for the summer.”

Altoona residents who are 62 years of age or older, own their home, and reside within the boundaries of the Altoona school district are eligible to participate in STEP. The application asks for their skills, areas of interest, and availability. Then the school district seeks a potential match and placement. A background check is required.

The maximum property tax credit is $429 in exchange for 59 hours of work. If the senior works fewer than 59 hours, the amount of his or her tax credit is prorated. Every year in June, the senior volunteers are issued a check made payable jointly to them and Eau Claire County. The payment serves as a credit to their property tax.  

If you are interested in participating in the STEP program, contact program coordinator Joyce Orth by emailing  jorth@altoona.k12.wi.us, calling (715) 839-6032, or visiting www.altoona.k12.wi.us/community/step_program.cfm. STEP is an optional program for local school districts that provides property tax credit for seniors who volunteer at public schools. Contact your local school district to see if they participate in this program. A background check is required prior to volunteering in the school.