Volunteer to Help with Hearts and Hands

 — from Didier Gincig —

Imagine yourself as an elder needing to get to town but being unable to drive. Imagine coming back from a hospital stay and being exhausted by preparing a meal and doing the dishes. Many of our elders face such challenges.

Fortunately, volunteers from Hearts and Hands are able to help. Volunteers typically spend one to two hours a week with their match offering a friendly visit, transportation, light housekeeping, or simple meal preparation. While one might think of this experience as a one way flow of service from volunteer to recipient, volunteers soon learn they also are enriched.

Hearts and Hands joined the Senior Center in January 2009 and has steadily received and filled new requests for service, but we still need more volunteers. While the organization is looking for people who can offer regular service, it is also interested in volunteers who are only available on a part-time basis.

Its mission is to “provide practical and emotional support to assist isolated, frail, ill, elderly or disabled adults to maintain independence and improve their quality of life.” Trained volunteers help with companionship, practical assistance, and caregiver respite.

There will be a volunteer orientation/training on Thursday, July 23 from 4:00-5:30 at the Senior Center. For those who are able to attend, or who would like more information, please call 376-7723 or email orcasheartsandhands@gmail.com.