You Can Change Someone’s Life in Four Hours a Week
By Carol Humbyrd, Senior Services Volunteer Transportation Driver

From January through June of this year, Senior Services volunteers drove a total of 7,088 hours and transported 8,837 Midland County older adults. By taking their neighbors to essential health care appointments, as well as helping them with trips to the grocery, pharmacy and bank, volunteer drivers make life easier for and better for local older adults.

Why do people donate several hours each week helping other people?
For some, it is a matter of civic responsibility. “When I first volunteered to drive, it was an easy way to support people in the community, people who are often overlooked,” one driver said. “After a few weeks, I realized I was getting as much from the experiences as they were. I love listening to their stories as much as they love sharing them.”

Volunteer drivers fill a vital role. “I’ve learned that many clients do not have family available to help them with transportation,” she said. “If a ride to physical therapy, or a trip to Meijer is all it takes to help one person maintain their independence in their own home, count me in.”

Some volunteers cite a spiritual element and the need to serve. “Most of us, if we will admit it, need to be needed,” a long-time volunteer said. “It is a good, healthy part of our humanity. Help someone who truly needs it, and you help yourself as well. It feeds my soul.”

Want to help your neighbors by volunteering to drive a few hours each week?
No special skills required! All you need is a valid driver’s license; we supply the vehicle!

Visit us at SeniorServicesMidland.org/volunteer to fill out a contact form or call Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer and Community Outreach Manager, at 989-633-3741.

Why do you volunteer?
Giving Back
Retired veterinarian Marcy Carlson has been a monthly volunteer driver for an impressive 25 years!

“I’ve always loved seniors and love learning their history,” she said. “Even the clients with memory issues have a lot to share.”

Marcy added that volunteering adds a sense of purpose to her life. “I like the concept of paying things forward,” she said. “So many people have blessed me in my life and I want to give something back.”
Marcy believes the Senior Services Transportation program is a great asset for the community and is happy to help support the service. “There are lot of volunteer opportunities available – I don’t mind driving and this fits my niche.”

Never a Bad Day
Harry Peless a retired postal employee,
has been driving for Senior Services since 2009 with a few breaks here and there.

Harry volunteers because being in service to others has always been part of this life. “I enjoy helping people,” he said. “My favorite part of driving is getting to know the people. I have a great time with them. My goal is always to get them laughing.”

“I love driving seniors,” he added. “I have never had a day when I disliked it. A few hours a week of my time is worth so much to someone who needs the help. Some of these folks really have no other way to get somewhere and I’m glad I can help.”

The Need is Great
Dave Evans worked for Dow and Trinseo.

He has been volunteering for Senior Services since July of 2019, a month after he retired.

He admits he was hesitant at first. “I wanted to give it a try but I didn’t think it would fit my personality.” Four years later, Dave drives more than once a week, transporting people who are in wheelchairs, and he delivers meals on other days. “It’s not always easy but I know I can get all the help I need by calling the office.”

Before volunteering, Dave said he did not know the gravity of the situation for Midland County seniors. “The need is truly great. Some are struggling to live their lives. That is what motivates me. It sounds cliche but it’s true: I get more out of it than I give.”

We Need Volunteer Helpers!
Senior Services is in great need of drivers for Meals on Wheels in Greendale Twp. Routes available M-F from 10 am-1 pm. Mileage is reimbursed and you’ll receive a FREE lunch! Consider joining our Volunteer Team!

We are also in need of:

• Transportation Drivers
  Our volunteer drivers provide “arm to lean on” door-to-door service throughout the entire county of Midland making it easier for older adults to get to doctor’s appointments, a ride to the grocery store, and more.
• Friendly Visitors/Shopping Volunteers
  – Visit, call, shop and more for an older adult in need. This is a great opportunity for working people and is flexibly scheduled.

If you choose to volunteer with us, you will be embarking on a rewarding adventure that will have a huge impact on the older adults of Midland County! We hope you’ll consider joining our team of experienced, trusted and valued volunteers.

Visit us at SeniorServicesMidland.org/volunteer to fill out a contact form or call Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer and Community Outreach Manager, at 989-633-3741.