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 bedsor 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).
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
How to Volunteer
To learn more about becoming a volunteer, call us at 360-331-1971, email us at info@swathome.org, or print and mail us your SW@Home Volunteer Application.
Strenghtening our community starts with you.
Donate to South Whidbey at Home in one of two ways.
Make an
online donation
Mail a check to us at:
1796 Main St., Ste #104
Freeland, WA 98249
Strenghtening our community starts with you.
Donate to South Whidbey at Home in one of two ways.
Make an
online donation
Mail a check to us at:
1796 Main St., Ste #104
Freeland, WA 98249
“As a volunteer I can say without doubt that my Mom was right: The gift is to the giver. My interactions with Members of SW@Home have been heartwarming and interesting. I think we miss the richness of the many lives lived by some of our most isolated seniors if we don’t interact. It’s all to easy to become invisible, and a simple conversation lifts the veil and shows us our common humanity.”
Melissa L.
SW@H Volunteer