What can our volunteers do for you? 

A lot! Rides are by far our most frequent request. Our volunteer drivers are a lifesaver for members who no longer get behind the wheel themselves, taking them to the bank, the grocery, local health clinics, and out and about (on Island) for other errands and events. Below are some examples of what we can and cannot do for members.

Gardening/Yard work: small tasks – may require prior assessment
Sweep deck/patio/walkway
Light weeding or planting (small beds or pots) with hand tools
Haul away branches or yard debris
Assist organizing garden shed or outbuilding
Move/relocate outdoor items weighing less than ~25 lbs
Rake/remove leaves 
Limitations: We do not do regular yard work, use gardening power tools or deliver or spread large loads of compost (1-2 bags OK)

Hauling/Recycling (depending upon availability of a volunteer with a truck):
Haul items to the dump (fees paid by member)
Haul garden waste to compost facility (fees paid by member)
Assist with sorting recycling items: Haul recyclables to recycling facility (must be pre-sorted, can provide assistance to break down cardboard boxes)
Limitations: Single pickup truck load, we do not haul items to/from storage units

In-Home Member Support (at members principal residence)
"Light" Household Tasks: 
Assist with sorting or tidying a small space such as a closet/desk/etc. 
Help organize a closet or cupboard
Sweep/clean up a one-time spill
Assist with reasonable packing/unpacking (we do not help you move per se)
Removal of small items for donation – with written/signed list of item(s)
Take out garbage or recycling and/or haul to curb/away  
Change light bulbs if it does not require a high ladder (3 steps up max) or bulbs in an appliance (we have a pole tool for some higher locations)
Work with member to assist with meal preparation
Lift items up or down to/from a shelf or cupboard (under 25lbs)
Limitations: We do not paint rooms, wash windows, clean bathrooms, cook full meals, do housekeeping chores on a regular basis, or provide personal care (bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, clipping nails, dressing wounds, giving medications).  

-Household Laundry: Up to two loads per service request at members home, laundromat, or volunteer’s home if agreeable

-Paperwork Assistance: 
Assist with mail – collecting/sorting
Assist with non-confidential papers (not financial or legal)
Advise/assist with organizing a desk or work area
Write or read a letter for/to member

Pet Care short-term for dogs, cats, birds, fish, or other small/cage-able animals:
Transport small animal and owner for emergency veterinary care 
Feed/water pet as instructed due to illness or injury (short term)
Walk a dog due to illness or injury (short term)
Limitations: We do not give pet medications, or transport an animal without the owner

Technology assistance: 
Assist with set up of computer/cell phone/printer/telephone/audio or video/TV
Hook up/replace wiring to/from hardware devices
Assess equipment for simple fix or advise on repair/replacement
Help to access tutorials for hardware and software
Limitations: We do not provide hardware or software, and volunteers will not ask for passwords or access to member sites that contain financial or legal information

Residence/Home Maintenance: minor (inside or outdoors at ground level) repairs which do not require a professional service provider – may require an assessment
Fix sink or tub drip/clog
Move or repair small pieces of furniture (chair, table, etc.)
Assemble a small furniture/household item
Install/repair closet rod
Repair/replace a cupboard door hinge or pull
Hang or remove pictures or wall mounted items
Install grab bars or other small safety items
Limitations: We do not climb on high ladders (household step ladder OK), climb on
roofs or under houses, clean gutters, carry heavy loads, move large pieces of furniture, fix serious leaks or install major plumbing fixtures, replace electrical wires or receptacles.  We do not touch home medical equipment. 

Social Support: 
Regular phone calls to chat or check on well being
Visit to a member’s home or another agreed upon location
Provide respite for a member who is a primary caregiver
Accompany for short walk at member’s request
Read aloud
Be an exercise buddy
Assist with or be part of arts/crafts activities
Take photos 
Arrange visit with comfort dog & handler (Reading with Rover program)
Limitations: We do not bring other animals for social visits in the home without a private agreement with the member.

Transportation/Rides or Running errands: (Whidbey Island only – members must be able to walk to and get in/out of vehicle unassisted)
Trips for single or standing medical appointments (2 times per week maximum)
Grocery shopping with member or pick-up and delivery
Pick up and deliver prescriptions
Trips to hair or other personal care/needs or visits
Trip to post office/mailing service, or drop off items 
Deliver food or meals after a hospital stay/illness/injury
Pick up or drop off medical devices or items such as a BP cuff, walker, crutches, etc. (nothing over 25lbs)
Limitations: We do not provide transportation for additional passengers unless it has been pre-arranged, and we do not drive a member's vehicle

Now that you know more about volunteer services, how can we make YOUR life easier? What can we do for YOU?