The Verde Valley Caregivers Coalition is based out of its office in Sedona, but it serves the entire Verde Valley.
The group looks to help people out, particularly senior citizens who might be living on their own. The organization needs help.
Over the last couple of weeks, the group has been pushing an effort to recruit volunteers in Cottonwood and Camp Verde.
Kim Meller, manager of the agency’s operations and mobility department, was in both towns last week to talk to people about what the group does.
Meller went to the local libraries, where she helped to set up Christmas trees to bring in more people willing to help.
Instead of traditional ornaments, the trees have wish lists on cards hanging from the branches.
The trees are up throughout the holidays and Meller hopes that everyone will get what they need.
The gifts requested aren’t things like a new HD television or the latest DVD box set of their favorite shows.
They are things like socks and blankets and other useful items.
Many older people might not have many visitors and Meller said that often these items could be the only gifts they receive.
Out of sight, out of mind can be detrimental to the lives of the Verde Valley’s older residents, and that’s something the coalition is doing its best to mitigate.
“Sometimes our visits from volunteers are the only visits they get,” Meller said.
While everyone is welcome to go to the library and choose a senior citizen to sponsor with a few items for Christmas, Meller said more volunteers are needed.
“We especially need people in transportation,” Meller said.
Volunteers use their own vehicles to give rides to medical appointments and to take people shopping.
Sometimes they just go and shop for elders, picking up things they need.
Meller said that there are about 300 volunteers working throughout the Verde Valley.
Not all of them are active, though, Meller said, and the group is looking for as many volunteers as possible.
It’s not necessarily a huge commitment for people who are willing to give their time.
“It’s extremely flexible,” Meller said. “You don’t have to commit to a certain time. We ask if you can do it, and if you can, great, if you can’t that’s fine too.”
Meller said the volunteers work with around 2,400 people.
It can be as simple as just making a phone call to check in on someone.
“Volunteers only travel to areas where they choose,” Meller said.
To volunteer, call 204-1238.
