Opportunities From: United Way of Northwest Vermont

Nonmedical Help at Home Volunteers will assist senior and disabled Grand Isle County residents with tasks around the home such as, light or seasonal housekeeping, cooking or maintenance tasks and repairs, either regularly or as a one-time, as needed assignment.

Outdoor Work Volunteers will assist senior and disabled Grand Isle County residents with seasonal chores such as spring cleanup, garden planting and maintenance, lawn mowing, leaf raking and snow shoveling. Also, light repairs and outdoor maintenance work, either regularly or as a one-time, as needed assignment.

Technology Volunteers will assist senior and disabled Grand Isle County residents with their phones, laptops, computers, or Smart TVs. Help can be in the form of instruction, set up or troubleshooting and minor repairs if possible.

Companionship Volunteers will spend leisure time with senior or disabled Grand Isle County residents doing activities of the resident’s or volunteer’s choosing. This might include reading aloud, playing cards, chess or board games, crafting, teaching or learning a new skill, like knitting or embroidery or watching a movie or TV show – or even just having conversation!

Substitute Volunteer Meal Delivery Drivers, using their own vehicles are needed to check in with seniors and deliver hot lunches and frozen meals in Grand Isle County on Monday and Thursday. Drivers in the Alburgh area are especially needed.

Pet Care Volunteers will assist senior and disabled Grand Isle residents with caring for their pet. This may include walking the dog, cleaning the litterbox, cage or tank, feeding, and light grooming  either regularly or as a one-time, as needed assignment. This is also an excellent opportunity to check in on the pet parent and provide some companionship, if appropriate.  

Volunteer drivers, using their own vehicles, are needed to transport seniors and disabled persons living in Grand Isle County to health care appointments, as well as grocery stores, pharmacies, and other destinations as needed. Most locations are in Saint Albans and the greater Burlington area. Volunteers can be reimbursed for their mileage; currently at 65.5 cents per mile. Trips are scheduled through CIDER usually with 48 hours notice. Volunteers may drive when they like, and it is always ok to decline. The service does not operate in bad weather. Simple background checks are required of all CIDER drivers. Currently, masks are required for both drivers and passengers and we cannot transport passengers who are experiencing Covid-like symptoms.