By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Community Aid, a vital organization serving seniors and individuals with geriatric profiles in the Eastern Townships, is seeking volunteers to support its growing demand for services. Leigh Hortop, who oversees services at Community Aid, emphasized the critical need for additional help, particularly in their Meals on Wheels program.
“We provide a range of services to help seniors remain in their homes,” said Hortop in an Aug. 28 interview. “These include Meals on Wheels, escorted transportation to medical and legal appointments, friendly visits, grocery shopping, technology assistance, and various social and exercise groups. All these services are crucial for maintaining both the physical and social well-being of our clients.”
Hortop detailed that the organization is particularly in need of kitchen helpers and drivers for the Meals on Wheels program. Volunteers are needed in North Hatley, Waterville, and Lennoxville, with a pressing need in North Hatley. “In North Hatley, our Meals on Wheels program runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and we need volunteers to assist the cook with meal preparation, serving, and cleanup. While we have a paid employee to manage the menu and groceries, volunteers are essential for tasks like chopping vegetables, peeling potatoes, washing dishes, and packing meals,” she explained.
