Volunteers needed in Piscataquis County

By Carol Higgins Taylor
    They have been called points of light, the backbone of our country and heroes. They are volunteers.

    Eastern Agency on Aging is very proud of and grateful to the dedicated volunteers that we have and have had through the years. They have all made a huge difference in our ability to serve seniors and adults with disabilities.
    I am continually amazed at the variety of people who volunteer and all the levels of education, skills and interests among them. I am also amazed at the level of commitment these dedicated people are willing to make and in awe of the amount of hours they are eager to give.
    But right now we are urgently in need of volunteers in Piscataquis County. We will work with your schedule. Even once a month would help us tremendously; but of course, more is better.
    Here is a list of our needs:
    The Meals on Wheels program needs drivers to deliver meals to clients’ homes. These homebound seniors and adults with disabilities depend on us to provide nutritious and delicious meals to their door step, but we can’t do it without help. We need people willing to give a few hours to make sure that the meals get to the people who need them. But, the volunteer drivers are more than meal delivery, they also deliver smiles and well wishes as well as providing a “check-in” to people who might not see another person for days or weeks.
    The Community Cafes need helpers of all sorts. These cafes provide wonderful opportunities for seniors to get together and share a meal some conversation. We need volunteers to be café managers, assistant managers and general helpers. There is always something fun going on at the cafes. So if you like to socialize and laugh with friends, this is the volunteer opportunity for you.
    The Commodities Supplemental Food Program needs volunteers to help distribute these boxes of food to central locations and to seniors’ homes. CSFP is a monthly program that provides approximately 30 lbs. of USDA groceries to low-income seniors age 60 and older.
    Furry Friends Food Program needs drivers to deliver pet food and supplies to clients’ homes. Our FFFB program provides supplemental pet food and cat litter once a month to low-income seniors and adults with disabilities. Pets mean so much to our seniors and may be their only source of daily contact. This program helps ensure that clients will not sacrifice their own nutrition in order to feed their pet.
    EZ Fix minor home repair and cleaning service is desperate for handymen and women and housekeepers in Piscataquis County. EZ Fix program provides minor home repairs and light cleaning services to seniors to help them remain in their homes comfortably and safely.
    Elder Buddies needs caring individuals who will call seniors, visit them or provide rides when they need them. Volunteers who visit the seniors who are homebound might chat, play cards or watch a favorite program together. It’s all about companionship.
    Providing a ride to medical appointments, Community Cafes or grocery shopping is a critical service that vastly improves a senior’s well-being and quality of life. Elder Buddies is a great source of socialization for our seniors and volunteers alike.
    You get the idea. Basically, EAAA needs people who care about seniors and want to make their lives better. And the available opportunities hold something for everyone.
    “We are extremely grateful for all the time a volunteer gives,” said Robin Lyford, area manager for Piscataquis County. “And we are always very happy to accept help on an occasional basis or a regular basis. Just depends on what the volunteer needs or wants.”
    If you have some time to give to a senior, please call Robin Lyford at 1-800-432-7812 for more information or a volunteer application.
    (Carol Higgins Taylor is director of community education at Eastern Area Agency on Aging. For information on EAAA, call toll-free (800) 432-7812 or visit EAAA.org.)