Make Volunteering Your New Year’s Resolution

Comcast volunteers help assemble the annual Holiday Baskets at MVES.

It’s hard to believe 2005 is just around the corner. As we get ready to watch the ball drop in Times Square and embrace the new year, you might think of making a New Year’s resolution to volunteer in the community.

“Volunteering is a great opportunity to help those in need live safely and comfortably in there own homes,” says MVES Director of Community Programs Vida Poole. “Whether you are assisting an elder with financial issues or giving them a ride to their doctor’s appointment, your generosity makes a significant difference in their lives.”

MVES offers a wide range of volunteer opportunities in Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Stoneham and Wakefield. Volunteering can be a rewarding experience and enables you to help individuals in the community. No matter what your interests are, MVES has a volunteer opportunity for you.

The Senior Travel Friends program is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to get out of the house during the week and help the elderly. You’ll take elders to and from their medical appointments throughout our local communities and Boston. As a volunteer, you’ll let us know which days and times work best for your schedule. With the Senior Travel Friends program, you’re not just a volunteer—you’re a companion and a friend.

SHINE volunteers provide Medicare and Medicaid recipients with up-to-date information about their health insurance issues. As a volunteer, you’ll go to the local senior centers or libraries each week and help elders stay on top of their health insurance benefits. SHINE gives you the opportunity to meet and help elders with the difficult topic of insurance.

Do you enjoy spending time with children? Do you like to read? With the Reading Partners program you can help Malden and Everett students improve their reading abilities. Share your enthusiasm for reading with children by helping these students reach their potential and improve their skills. You’ll work one-on-one with a child that can benefit from your help. With Reading Partners, you can utilize your personal skills and contribute towards a child’s success as a reader.

If you have a desire to help others stay organized, or enjoy working with numbers, the MVES Money Management Program would love your help. The Money Management Program assists elders with a wide range of financial issues. With support from our Money Management Program Coordinator, you can become a trained and insured volunteer. As a Money Management volunteer you can help elders establish a budget, write checks, make payments, and comfortably manage their bills. Your assistance can give elders a helping hand when they need it most.

For more information or a volunteer application, please contact MVES at (781) 324-7705. Celebrate the new year by helping those in need. Make 2005 the year to volunteer and bring joy to the community and yourself!