People were chipping in all over the place in 1979.

Abraham Rapp, longtime president of the Schenectady Musicians Union, was playing the lunch crowd at the Jewish Community Center. Bruce VanDerGroef helped youngsters make simple moves and sample gymnastics. And Tyrone Revell and Lavida Barkley brightened the day for a friend from the Refreshing Springs Child Care Center with a bouquet of flowers.

April’s National Volunteer Week brought them all together. Volunteers were needed then and now for a variety of positions: aides in day care centers; clerical workers; drivers for the handicapped or elderly; “big brother” or “big sister” to children without the real things; recreation helpers.

Some people wanted to help out the community. Others wanted to help future leaders of the community.

“It doesn’t take much time and it has been so rewarding,” one volunteer from 29 years ago said. “Through the [Schenectady] Voluntary Action Department, there is so much that can be done. I’m proud to be part of its service to Schenectady.”