VOLUNTEERS
Making a Difference in the Lives of Others
 

Help Needed Now	Bringing Meals – Receiving So Much More! Jason W. (left) and Patrick L. (right) enjoy a visit with Meals on Wheels client John (center). Every other Saturday, I drive my son Jason and his friend Patrick to deliver Meals on Wheels to senior citizens. The boys, both high school juniors, do everything (except the driving). They check the meals against the roster, pack them, and bring them to the seniors. We all knew volunteering was rewarding but what we did not know was that it comes with perks! Grandpa Frank saves Burger King coupons for the boys. He also gives us the most delicious tomatoes from his garden. Grandma Carol always has a dish of candies ready for us. Grandma Deirdre told us that in the ‘60s she drove her teenage son to an interview for an internship position. Today, her son is a VP of the company. Grandma D also gives beauty tips: she credits her beautiful skin to never using soap on her face, a tried and true tip. Grandpa Ronald had a grandson serving his second tour of Iraq. Himself a WWII veteran, Ronald has pictures of his WWII ship stationed in Asia next to pictures of his grandson sitting on a Humvee against the backdrop of an Iraqi sunset. Last winter, the boys sent Christmas greetings to the grandson in Iraq. We all rejoiced for the family when the grandson returned safely from his duty. Ronald and I were both in tears when he told me the news. For the boys, with grandparents living as far away as Taiwan, connecting with the seniors in our route is priceless. As a mother of a teenager, I also appreciate the quality time I get to spend with my son and his friend. We get to “talk” while we make our rounds. I have seen the boys taking total responsibility and am proud that they respect and care for these senior clients. They know life is not rosy all the time. We all get older and we should reciprocate and take care of each other. Keep up with the good work, Red Cross! - Shianling W. My experience as a Red Cross volunteer has been a joyful yet useful ride for me as a high school sophomore. Every time we deliver food to the elders, there is a sense of accomplishment and pride towards contributing to the society. Not only do we get to meet new people, we also get to develop new friendships along the way. This experience has also shown me how fortunate I'm to be living in a place where I can get up and eat by myself, instead of other people helping me get food. I look forward to continuing with the Meals On Wheels program and assisting those that need me. - Patrick L. Providing assistance for our elderly community members is enjoyable and rewarding. Every client has a different story to tell, and driving through the various parts of the city can sometimes be a story in itself. Doing Red Cross work in the city could very possibly be the most rewarding thing I’ve done thus far. - Jason W. Would you like to share a volunteer story with us? Email:  yarbrougha@njredcross.org
Here's where we need your immediate help.* Deliver Meals in Hamilton/Trenton Deliver Meals in Princeton/Hightstown Staff the FrontDesk Teach our Babysitter Training Course Staff a Blood Drive
Upcoming Events
Consider helping with or attending these special events.* Golf at The Ridge 6/2/08
Volunteers in Action
2008 Dance-A-Thon Area Mayors Participage in national Mayors for Meals Day Rutger's Sweetheart CPR See our Hometown Heroes See our Heroes of the Heart
Training Available
Health & Safety Course Schedule New Volunteer Orientation
Department News
MAH Newsletter MOW Newsletter Blood Drop Newsletter More on volunteering...

*If you can help, contact Aubrey Yarbrough, Volunteer Administrator 609-951-2123, yarbrougha@njredcross.org