Santan Sun News Staff
About Care is looking for people who do.
The non-profit organization needs volunteers to help elderly and homebound residents in Chandler, Gilbert and Queen Creek who have no one close to assist them in meeting basic needs while living independently.
“Maybe you are looking for something wonderful to do with your children — or would like to adopt a grandparent — and there is nothing better than giving of yourself to people in need,” said About Care CEO Ann Marie McArthur.
“About Care’s mission is to deliver caring, compassionate support services,” McArthur said of the 12-year-old organization, noting it helps postpone the expense of long-term care in many instances.
She said the group needs “volunteers with big hearts who really want to help others.”
“The majority of requests to About Care for services are for transportation to medical appointments or procedures,” McArthur said, adding:
“About Care also offers weekly transportation for shopping and errands, respite, reassurance phone calls, friendly visits and minor home repairs. The services are provided without charge by trained and insured volunteers — compassionate, caring individuals who want to make a difference in someone’s life by offering their time.”
About Care was founded in 2006 by Barbara and Buzz Bradley after realizing no services existed for homebound Chandler residents. They soon expanded into Gilbert and in 2016 expanded into Queen Creek with the help of Rockland Church and several grants.
In a recent needs assessment completed by an independent consulting firm for the City of Chandler, About Care was recognized as one of only two organizations that are making a difference in the lives of the elder communities they serve.
Its website is replete with praise from people who have been helped.
A disabled former police officer and Vietnam War veteran not only praised the assistance he received from volunteers, but was also grateful for About Care’s donation of a computer, saying, it “gave me a new lease on life.”
Volunteers have provided many kinds of help, from shuttling people to appointments and the supermarket to changing light bulbs and helping them reconnect with long-lost relatives. In some cases, the volunteers and these individuals even bond to become friends.
“The About Care volunteers do small things with great love that truly impact the lives of the homebound,” McArthur said. “If you are currently unemployed and looking for a job, you never know where your next job might come from, and volunteering is a good way to stay involved in your community and meet new people. If you are employed but have some free time in the evenings or weekends, that would help also.”
And for those who can’t volunteer, there’s also the opportunity to make a tax-deductible contribution. About Care also qualifies for an Arizona charitable tax credit.
Information: aboutcare.org.
Special to SanTan Sun News
About Care connects able-bodied volunteers with homebound residents of Chandler, Gilbert and Queen Creek to help them get to medical appointments and the supermarket and help with small tasks around their home.
