Each week, 34-year-old Nora Balint pops into Giant Eagle at The Waterworks for a supply of milk, eggs and other pantry necessities.

Although she lives just blocks away in Aspinwall, the jaunt usually takes her about three to four hours.

That's because Balint, a volunteer for the North Hills Community Outreach, shuttles a senior citizen with her in an effort to make life a little easier.

"A quick trip to the market isn't possible for everyone," she said, from her home along Second Street.

"For some, a stop at the pharmacy or the hairdresser is hard to come by."

That's what makes Balint and others like her invaluable to the more than 70,000 senior citizens who live alone in Allegheny County. As a volunteer through the outreach's Faith in Action program, Balint is paired with elderly residents or those with disabilities to offer transportation, help with light chores or socialization.

"Sometimes, it has made all the difference in the world to them," Balint said. "They don't necessarily have to be alone in the world. It's just their families can't do everything."

There are many, however, who are alone and don't have any other way than through the help of a volunteer to get around.

According to the U. S. Census Bureau, 40 percent of the 525,123 households in the county consist of single people -- 13 percent are those 65 or older.

Balint connected with the North Hills Community Outreach through an ad at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church. Having just moved to the area last year, Balint was not yet involved with other groups and sought the volunteerism primarily as a way to help others, but found that it also has benefited her.

"I have more of a connection to an age group that I didn't feel before," she said.

Through her weekly trips to grocery stores or doctor's appointments, Balint has come to understand more clearly the issues faced by senior citizens. Many, who strive to be independent are crestfallen to learn they have to depend on someone to help them with a simple chore like grocery shopping.

Others, especially those with little family, are thankful for a friendly voice on the other end of the phone.

"It has given me a new perspective on walking in someone else's shoes. Maybe now I don't become so impatient when someone is walking slowly in front of me at the grocery store, or taking a long time to write out their check."

Her experience also has provided a teaching tool for Balint's young children. Typically, her four-year-old son, Michael, tags along -- and the senior citizens eat up his lively conversation and chipper personality.

And Michael appears to be soaking in the lesson, even when it means sitting still for three hours in a doctor's office or driving back and forth to Russellton to take someone food shopping.

"He really is good about it," Balint said. "I want him to see that there's a value in putting your own things aside and doing something for someone else, no matter how boring you might think it is."