Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly will call on volunteers from across the Copper Country next week to ensure seniors in the community don’t spend Thanksgiving alone.
The nonprofit organization operates sit-down meal sites and delivery headquarters throughout the region. And will require a significant amount of volunteer support to meet the holiday needs of the Copper Country’s elderly residents.
Carol Korpala, executive director of Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly, says the organization faces ongoing volunteer needs, particularly for delivery drivers who provide crucial social interaction along with the meals.
“So if you are an entertainer, if you play the piano, if you play the accordion, and you want to come join us, it just really adds to the atmosphere. And so we’re looking for musical entertainment,” Korpala said. “One of the last volunteer jobs that we always need filling, even right up to the day of, is delivery drivers. Ideally, that volunteer driver only has to go to three households. But if we don’t get enough volunteers, then they have to deliver to more households, and then they don’t have that time to visit with the elder who really could use some company on that holiday.”
The organization needs between 10 and 20 volunteers at sit-down meal sites and more than 30 drivers at just one delivery headquarters location. A lack of volunteers, particularly drivers, forces volunteers to cover more ground. Which reduces the amount of time volunteers can spend with seniors.
Korpala noted that many of the organization’s lead organizers hope to eventually join their friends at the dining table for future holidays. She says many organizations around the region need young volunteers to step up to gain valuable knowledge from older generations of supporters.
The organization relies heavily on engaged volunteers to maintain its programming throughout the year. Beyond Thanksgiving, Little Brothers operates holiday meal sites for other major holidays, non-emergency medical transportation, delivers groceries to seniors throughout the year, and helps keep homes warm with the wood-chopping program.
Those interested in volunteering can register online through the organization’s website. Those who want to help lead a meal site or have questions about volunteer opportunities can contact the LBFE Hancock office directly.
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