Volunteers can provide a helping hand in many different ways. Matches are carefully made based on the interest and availability of the volunteer and the needs of each client. Volunteer opportunities include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Be a friendly visitor who brings lively conversation and laughter
2. Provide escorted transportation to medical appointments, the grocery store and social outings
3. Run errands, such as picking up prescriptions and getting groceries
4. Help with simple meal preparation
5. Run the vacuum for someone physically unable to do so
6. Assist with laundry and light housekeeping
7. Read to the visually impaired
8. Serve as a companion in the respite care program, providing a tired family caregiver with a few hours per week to attend to his or her own needs.
9. Teach an older adult a new skill, including computer instruction and how to program the TV/VCR.
10. Record life Histories
11. Develop a friendship with an older adult and compile a life history book to preserve memories. If the featured individual is a veteran, we have a guide from the Library of Congress on how to conduct the interview. These recorded memories become a treasured family keepsake.
12. Yard Work or Seasonal Cleaning for a frail older adult or busy family caregiver
13. Bring a home-cooked meal to someone recovering from an illness or surgery,
14. Sing to a client on his or her birthday. Most clients honored in this program are between the ages of 90 and 100
15. Making birthday or ‘thinking of you’ cards
16. Sponsor a tea/luncheon for six older adults who would enjoy meeting others with similar interests
17. Participate in A Helping Hand’s annual Valentine Delivery and Serenade.
18. Visit a homebound older adult once a month on your lunch hour. Consider forming a departmental team and rotating visits among co-workers.
19. Meet with other community leaders who are working to increase community awareness of the services provided by A Helping Hand and to promote partnerships in the public and private sector.
20. Share your expertise in technology, marketing or development to increase A Helping Hand’s organizational capacity.

A Helping Hand serves any person 65+ years of age. We also assist younger adults who need temporary or ongoing help because of an accident, illness, injury or disability. Our organization was established in 1995 and serves Orange, Durham, Chatham and Wake counties.