In this time of government budget crises, the world seems to run on volunteer power more than ever. All you need to do is give a little time – it adds up to a lot of help for those who need it. Latest example, out of the WSB inbox, is from Kerrie Carbary, the new West Seattle coordinator for Volunteer Chore Services. Here’s their announcement; maybe there’s something simple here you can make time to help with:

* A woman with severe arthritis needs companionship to the grocery store.
* An elderly woman is worried about falling down her front stairs as she does gardening, and would love for someone to help her out.
* A disabled woman needs help lifting her laundry into the washing machine.

Help with simple tasks like these can make a real difference in someone’s life.

Volunteer Chore Services is a “safety net” for elders and adults living with disabilities who are unable or ineligible for state/paid chore services. All recipients are low-income, have health problems or difficulty with mobility, and most live alone. A growing volunteer opportunity in your neighborhood consists of driving clients to doctor appointments, grocery shopping or other chores. We carefully match volunteers to opportunities based on their personalities, neighborhood, and preferences.

Background:
In 1981 the Federal Government cut funding from their “service to the homebound” program leaving thousands of people in the Seattle area without the resources needed to remain independent, at home, and connected to their communities. Volunteer Chore Services, a community based non-profit program, was born shortly thereafter to try and cope with the need that was created by the lack of government funding.

The Future:
Currently, volunteers are donating over 3000 hours a month in the Seattle area. However, there is still a huge number of people waiting for help, and a shortage of volunteers. Volunteers are needed all over Seattle and South King County, but especially in areas like West Seattle.

For more information on how you can help in West Seattle, please call Kerrie Carbary, the volunteer coordinator in your area, at 206-328-6858, Volunteer Chore Services main intake line at 206-328-5787, or email kerriec@ccsww.org.