Claire Monasterio, who helps socialize small animals at the Ozaukee Humane Society, is one of a growing number of Baby Boomers volunteering in the county. It is a trend that is reflected nationally as more Boomers retire and seek meaningful ways to spend their free time.

GRAFTON - Their sheer numbers have influenced generations of music, politics, consumer marketing and public policy.

And now Baby Boomers are having an impact on another important aspect of society as they flock in record numbers to serve as volunteers.

Research conducted by the Corporation for National and Community Service showed that volunteerism among Baby Boomers - those born in the post-war years between 1946 and 1964 - will increase 50 percent in the next 13 years.

Claire Monasterio, a retired real estate agent, didn’t realize she was part of a growing trend when she began volunteering at the Ozaukee Humane Society nearly two years ago.

"I volunteer because there truly is a need," said Monasterio, 60, of Mequon. "Donating money is important, but there is a need for hands-on help with these animals."

For several hours each week, Monasterio works to socialize small animals, such as rabbits, rats, hamsters and other tiny furry creatures.

She spends about 30 minutes with each animal, helping acclimate them to the human touch and getting them ready for adoption.

"Animals are my passion. Everyone else wants to work with the dogs and cats, so I volunteered to work with the small animals," said Monasterio, whose devotion to animals compels her to keep heated pens in her garage for the occasional feral cats that drop by.

Monasterio is characteristic of many Boomer volunteers, who seek out rewarding ways to spend their post-retirement years, said Brenda Peterson, executive director of the Volunteer Center of Ozaukee County.

Boomers tend to have higher levels of education, health and wealth than those generations before them.

"They want to do something meaningful," Peterson said. "We have to make sure it’s something stimulating for them because they’re intelligent and creative and they know so much more."

Whereas earlier generations of the same age tended to volunteer largely with religious organizations, today’s 50- and 60-somethings have added civic, political and youth organizations to volunteer resumes.

Linda Pigeon, volunteer coordinator for Ozaukee Family Services, said she too had seen an increase recently in the number of Boomers offering their services. Just recently, a retired teacher who moved back to the area came to Ozaukee Family Services hoping to share her time with the organization, Pigeon said.

"She was looking for something fulfilling to do with her free time," Pigeon said.

According to state statistics, there were more than 26,000 residents aged 45 to 64 in Ozaukee County in 2006. Peterson hopes to continue tapping into that demographic as more Boomers reach retirement age or become empty nesters looking for a way to fill the void.

The Volunteer Center works and partners with 56 nonprofit agencies, so matching Boomers with the right opportunity is easy, Peterson said.

"Expertise and experience in family management, teaching, speaking, organizing or researching are all excellent skills that could benefit all our community agencies," she said.

Monasterio said she plans to soon broaden her volunteer work to include working with the elderly. A part-time job caring for a 97-year-old woman taught her that she really enjoyed what her elders have to offer.

"That's my next venture - working with the elderly," Monasterio said. "There is definitely a need for that."

Anyone interested in volunteering in any number of areas can call the Volunteer Center of Ozaukee County at 377-1616.