The Joys of Giving Back: Opportunities to Volunteer

Gene Bergman Loads Meals on Wheels – Photo Peggy Sue McRae

It always feels like a fresh start to begin a new year. If giving back to your community, meeting new people, and having fun, is how you would like to enrich your life in the coming year there are a wide variety of volunteer opportunities to choose from.

The Mullis Center needs volunteers to help out with senior lunches every Monday and Thursday and also for the once a month fundraiser, the popular Pancake Breakfasts. I heard it said that Bob Jarman is “the best” pancake flipper, a claim that I’m thinking should not go unchallenged.

I spoke to volunteer Rusty DeSherlia who was setting up for the senior lunch. Rusty lives in Mt Vernon but when on the Island she enjoys coming in to help out. I also spoke to Gene Bergman who was loading “meals on wheels” into the Senior Services van to deliver hot meals to homebound seniors. New to the Island, Gene enjoys getting to know the people he meets on his route and also getting to know different parts of the Island. Drivers are also needed for off-island trips.

Carolyn Adler – Photo PS McRae

Carolyn Adler is a board member who can be found in the kitchen on lunch days. Like every volunteer I spoke to Carolyn enjoys the camaraderie and the good feeling of helping out. When I asked volunteer Sandy Leschine what she liked about volunteering at the Mullis Center she echoed the others saying, “It’s so fun! You meet so many great people!” adding that she enjoyed learning about all the many services that are available. Volunteers will also be found in the office answering the phone.

The program “Island Neighbors” is a volunteer outreach program for seniors (formerly known as “Friends and Neighbors”) that has been revamped to address a wide variety of Island seniors needs. Volunteering may include running errands, computer support, shopping, rides to medical appointments, small outings, reading, pet care, light house keeping, and more. The amount of time volunteers spend is flexible from a one-time service to setting up a regular routine.

Applications for the Island Neighbors program are available at the Senior Services office in the Mullis Center 378-2677 or at the Family Resource Center 378-5246. Stop by the Mullis Center at 589 Nash Street if volunteering sounds right for you. 

You can support the San Juan Update by doing business with our loyal advertisers, and by making a one-time contribution or a recurring donation.