WS Chronicle

Now that many older people have been fully vaccinated and nonprofits are gearing back up to serve their clients, the need for volunteers has increased. These organizations depend on older adults who have more time to volunteer. And many volunteers have expressed how much they have missed serving others, as well as their friendships with other volunteers. 

If you are ready to get out of the house and offer support to local organizations, the following agencies need you!

*The Shepherd’s Center of Greater Winston-Salem needs volunteers to provide transportation for older adults to medical appointments or grocery shopping. Training is provided. Protocols for Faith in Action volunteers are currently under review, so volunteers in our transportation and home repair programs will continue to wear masks and follow safety protocols that were previously in place for those programs until at least June 14. Volunteers will be notified of any changes in their guidelines. For more information, call Vicki Poore at 336-748-0217 or email vpoore@shepherdscenter.org.

*Senior Services is looking for volunteers to deliver Meals-on-Wheels. The routes can be delivered any time between 9:45 a.m. and noon Monday through Friday. Routes take about 90 minutes to deliver. There is a particular need for volunteers on Thursdays and Fridays. Volunteer with a spouse or friend. For more information, call Holly Beck at 336-721-3411, email hbeck@seniorservicesinc.org, or visit www.seniorservicesinc.org.

*SECU House needs volunteers, including groups and individuals, to provide meals to families staying at the house while receiving medical treatment. The meals can be dropped off at the house; no volunteers are allowed inside at this time. Having the meals at the house allows the families to avoid going to restaurants or grocery stores. To see a list of available dates and get specific information, go to www.familyhousews.org/serve-a-meal or call Emily Kaartunen at 336-793-2822 or email Emily.kaartunen@familyhousews.org.

*Samaritan Ministries seeks volunteers for several areas, including the kitchen area to package and serve meals for lunch and dinner. The weekday lunch shift for volunteers is from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and the dinner shift is from 3-7 p.m. Volunteers must be age 13 or older, agree to a liability waiver, and adhere to strict sanitation guidelines that include wearing a mask, frequent hand washing, and appropriate distancing as recommended by health officials. For more information, go to www.samaritan-forsyth.org.

*Piedmont Environmental Association (PEA) is looking for gardeners whose gardens may produce more veggies than they can use to donate extra produce to support H.O.P.E. of Winston-Salem. Donating fresh food is a great way to reduce food waste, hunger, and food insecurity right here in Winston-Salem. And it’s a fun way to connect with neighbors and fellow gardeners this summer. To sign up, go to https://www.peanc.org/donate-fresh-produce-today.

These are just a few of the organizations that would appreciate your time and talents as they serve our neighbors in need. For additional opportunities, visit www.volunteermatch.org.