Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Volunteer Handy-Persons Sought

Want to enjoy a really rewarding experience?  How about helping seniors and people with disabilities live safely in their homes?

Consider volunteering with the Chore Service, which is sponsored by the Volunteer Center of Bergen County.  Chore volunteers do minor household repairs that the frail elderly or people with disabilities can neither do themselves nor get anyone else to do.  Each volunteer makes service calls one day a week from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm.  Volunteers go in crews of two to four people in specially equipped Chore vans.  Each crew is assigned 4-5 service calls each weekday.

Last year, Chore volunteers visited over 2,000 homes and performed 4,000 repairs for grateful citizens.  This year, the request for service is even greater, and additional volunteers are needed!

In addition to helping people in need, you’ll be helping yourself!  Studies show that people who volunteer enjoy health benefits, from reduction of stress and lowering of blood pressure to improving self esteem and enhancing the immune system.  Volunteering with a Chore crew also offers an opportunity not only to use handyman skills, but also to get out, meet new people and stay connected with the broader world.  Prospective volunteers should be able to perform minor household repairs such as those that able-bodied homeowners must do.  Ideally, volunteers will be available on a regular basis so Chore can schedule a regular day with the same crew.

It’s a great volunteer opportunity for retirees, or people who work second and third shift jobs.  Back-up volunteer handymen and women are also welcome.  Call Maureen at (201) 489-7790 to find out how satisfying it can be to lend a hand to those in need.

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