Heartland Senior Services welcomed a high-profile volunteer into its musical Tic-Tac-Toe circle Monday afternoon.

Lt. Gov. Sally Pederson spent about half an hour playing “musical Tic-Tac-Toe” with senior citizens at Heartland Monday afternoon.

This activity was part of an afternoon of tours centered around volunteering in Ames.

“Iowa has a rich heritage of volunteerism,” Pederson said, but now people may feel that finding time to volunteer has become more difficult.

Pederson said she commits an hour each week to volunteering throughout Iowa in hopes of focusing attention on community service, part of her campaign promise.

It is nine months into Pederson’s term as lieutenant governor, and she said she has logged quite a few hours in several Iowa locations.

Pederson said her volunteer experience helped her learn a lot about different programs in Iowa, and the communities have been “very responsive.”

“If it weren’t for volunteers and those programs [which rely on volunteers], a lot of people would have to do without,” she said.

Pederson was not the only one to benefit from her interaction at the senior center.

Nevada resident and senior Margret Norris said she enjoyed the personal contact with Pederson.

“It’s great to know what she thinks firsthand,” Norris said. “We appreciate when people come in — we feel we have good leadership.”

Norris said various volunteers come into the senior center sporadically, but they always are welcome.

Marilyn Johnson, Heartland activities assistant, said the senior center frequently benefits from student volunteers; there are usually two to three students at the center each month, she said.

If any students are interested in becoming involved with Heartland Senior Services, 205 South Walnut Ave., Johnson said to call the center at 233-2906.