Natchez &8212; Louis and Allyn DeVries found themselves in the spotlight Wednesday afternoon &8212; and seemed to think it was undeserved.

Filmed on their front porch for a documentary about volunteering during Hurricane Katrina, Allyn explained their work quite matter-of-factly to the filmmaker: &8220;It&8217;s just what you do.&8221;

The DeVries, along with fellow volunteers Roy and Barbara Winkworth and RSVP Director Janet McNeely, were among those interviewed for a film that will serve as both documentary and recruiting tool for the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Tim McManus, director of marketing for the Corporation, said the film would especially target the baby boomer generation. &8220;We want to change the perception that the aging population should be looked at only as a drain,&8221; he said. &8220;Let&8217;s look at it as a positive &8230; not as a liability but as a huge asset.&8221;

McManus hopes to debut at least part of the documentary next month when the White House hosts the Council on Aging, an event that occurs 0once every four years. McNeely contacted a network of 200 volunteers through RSVP, a senior citizen volunteer program. More than 60 volunteered their time as the DeVries did, helping at the shelters or other assistance centers. The others donated time or goods to evacuees.

The DeVries &8212; who first volunteered during a disaster for Hurricane Ivan &8212; helped pass out bedding and personal care items at the Steckler Multi-Purpose Center, the first shelter to open in Natchez during Ivan and Hurricane Katrina. But this year, they also used their unique talents to perform extra services for the evacuees. Louis, who directs the St. Joseph Orchestra, organized a string trio to play at five of the shelters. He also bought several chess sets and organized informal tournaments at Steckler.

Allyn, who is also a volunteer reading tutor for RSVP, spent several afternoons helping students with their homework at the shelter and reading to younger children.

And the DeVries invited a couple they did not know to stay in their home in the first few days after the storm, since the couple had a dog and could not stay at a Red Cross shelter.

For the DeVries, volunteering is simply a way of life.

&8220;It goes way back to the way we were brought up,&8221; Allyn told the documentary&8217;s interviewer. &8220;If someone needs help, you do it.&8221;

&8220;We don&8217;t have a lot of money,&8221; Louis said. &8220;So one-on-one is how we do things. It&8217;s really nice when a stranger thanks you for giving them a blanket. Helping someone you don&8217;t know out of the goodness of your heart is truly rewarding.&8221;

Even as the shelters have closed, the DeVries have continued to help evacuees. Louis is teaching trumpet to New Orleans evacuee Doyle &8220;Trumpet Red&8221; Cooper, for example.