Lebanon —
To provide all these services, the organization relies on an array of volunteers, many of whom are seniors themselves, according to Anne Grover, activities and volunteer coordinator at The Upper Valley Senior Center.
“Volunteers can help in a variety of ways,” Grover said. “We have people working from one hour a week to a couple days a week. It all depends on what the job is and what people are interested in.”
Right now, the senior center is particularly in need of volunteers to help prepare meals, which are served at the center and in the community Monday through Friday. This involves preparing, packaging and serving food, as well as helping with clean-up. The shift is from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and volunteers are needed for Tuesdays and Fridays specifically. In addition, wait staff are needed to help set up for and serve meals. This is a flexible role that can be done in as little as an hour.
People looking for another flexible volunteer opportunity can also become medical drivers, helping transport area seniors to their appointments on an as-needed basis.
“We call and ask if you’re available, and if you’re not you just say no,” Grover said.
Volunteer medical drivers use their own vehicle, but are reimbursed for mileage. A driving record check is required.
The senior center is also looking for volunteers to run transportation reception, helping to answer the phones and schedule rides. In addition, drivers and “runners” (who deliver meals to the door) are needed for the meal-delivery service.
In addition to these opportunities to help with the day-to-day running of The Upper Valley Senior Center, the organization is looking for people to serve on its advisory committee, which meets once a month for an hour. Ideally, committee members would be otherwise involved with the center, although that isn’t required, Grover said.
People who are interested in volunteering with The Upper Valley Senior Center can contact Grover by phone at 603-448-4213 or email agrover@gcscc.org.