For one local man, volunteering and caring for the sick and elderly has become a way of life.

LeRoy Schmidt, 72, a 20-year resident of Orefield, formerly of Port Chester, N.Y., has been volunteering and helping others for 62 years.

"I started volunteering in my neighborhood when I was 10, walking people's dogs, and helping those who just came home from the hospital," Schmidt said.

His first volunteer job was helping with the cooking, cleaning and personal care for a lady who had knee surgery.

Over the years, Schmidt has volunteered at Shriners Hospital, Fox Chase Cancer Center, and Philadelphia Presbyterian Home, all in Philadelphia; Holy Family Nursing and Rehabilitation, Bethlehem, and for the last couple of months at Fellowship Community, Whitehall.

"Working at the cancer hospital, you get close to people and, when they pass away, it takes a piece of your heart," Schmidt said.

He was named Volunteer of the Year in 2011 after volunteering 12,000 hours over the six years he was at Holy Family.

"Volunteering gives you a warm feeling in your heart," Schmidt said. "It is a pleasure to help someone else.

"If I were physically able, I would work seven days a week volunteering. I love my work."

Schmidt said when he volunteers, he feels as if he is giving something back to others.

"The people remember me and they look forward to me coming back and I look forward to going," Schmidt said. "Every place I volunteer, people love me."

Schmidt retired from industrial work at age 62.

Over the years, he worked for Lovkin Water Heater Company, Dela-ware Valley Lighting Manufacturing, Willow Grove, and a Philadelphia broom company.

Schmidt is a 28-year member of Masonic Lodge Chapter 81 and 26-year member of Eastern Star 126, both in Philadelphia.

In his spare time, he sings, makes music CDs dedicated to his late wife of 42 years, Margaret, and paints. About 20 years ago, his wife taught him how to crochet, so he also crochets blankets when he is not volunteering.

Schmidt says anyone interested in volunteering should try it first because it can be demanding and challenging, not only physically but emotionally.