Council on Aging seeks volunteers

The Council on Aging of Central Oregon is actively seeking volunteers. Needs have grown this past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has identified more at-risk seniors who need support to remain safe, fed, and connected in their local community as they choose to age at home.

Volunteering for the Council on Aging is easy and flexible, whether it’s just for a one-time project or an on-going position. Volunteers are not required to have previous training, and opportunities are open to those 18 and older! There are both direct service and non-direct service opportunities available.

“The Council on Aging is committed to providing support to those seniors who need food, in-home services, and connection,” said Susan Rotella, executive director of the Council on Aging. “Volunteers play a vital role at the Council on Aging, and we are always in need of caring, compassionate volunteers to help us carry out our mission.”

Open volunteer positions:

•?Office volunteer: Help out in the Council’s office with mailings, data entry, phone calls, and other administrative tasks.

•?Development volunteer: Help the Council raise money. This can include helping with events, mailings, and other fundraising efforts.

•?Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers: Help deliver meals to homebound seniors. This can include having a weekly route or filling in for drivers on vacation.

•?Community dining support: Support making, serving, and delivering the lunch meal program — a great way to help seniors feel supported and connected as they dine at Bend and Sisters meal sites.

•?Caring Connections volunteer: Volunteers are matched with an isolated senior to bring companionship with weekly calls. Support seniors with a simple call to make someone’s day.

•?Delivery volunteer: Deliver materials, food, and resources to our community partners on an adhoc basis across the tri-county.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to give back to the Council by helping seniors in need. I also like that it’s easy to volunteer with flexible positions and hours,” said Natalie Morganti, a community dining food packer and Pet Pals volunteer.

If you are interested in exploring volunteer opportunities, fill out the interest form found at https://www.council

onaging.org/get-involved/volunteer-opportunities.

For more information about resources for older adults and their unpaid caregivers, call the Council on Aging at 541-678-5483, visit the Council on Aging website at http://www.councilonaging.org, and follow the Council on Aging’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/CouncilOnAgingOfCentral

Oregon.