Volunteers make a difference for elderly

ElderCARE is one lucky organization. Because of ElderCARE's mission to promote health and independence for older adults through volunteer services in northern Lake County, we get to see inspiring stories that underscore the power of volunteering to make a difference.

It's so clear that when people engage in improving their communities and helping others, the world shifts a bit - not just for the community, but for the volunteer as well.

National Volunteer Week falls between April 10 and April 16 this year and we would like to recognize and say thank you to our faithful volunteers who provide friendly visits, grocery shopping and transportation to medical appointments for hundreds of elders living in northern Lake County.

Without our volunteers, many of the elders we serve would be isolated, without food of their own choosing and unable to stay connected to their health care providers.

Do you need help? Do you know someone who needs help? Contact ElderCARE for an application to receive services.

Do you have a couple hours a week or month and an interest in helping, how do you get involved? We have training scheduled this month. It's free, but registration is required. Contact ElderCARE for information.

During this National Volunteer Week, a big thank you goes out to our ElderCARE volunteers. You are awesome, inspiring and caring. The staff and the elders we serve are extremely grateful.

Jill A. Grubbs

Waukegan