Driving is an ability that many of us take for granted, but as we age, driving often becomes difficult, and for some, impossible. When elderly members of our community need help getting to medical appointments, the pharmacy, or the grocery store, Catholic Community Services (CCS) volunteers show up to provide needed transportation.
In November, when a Kitsap man needed help to visit his wife in hospice, CCS volunteers rallied to provide the transportation assistance he needed. CCS volunteer Maggie drove the husband and his daughter-in-law an incredible 130 miles round trip so that he could spend time with his wife in her final days. “He was very appreciative when I picked him up,” Maggie says. “I’m really glad that he got to be with his family.”
“My favorite thing about volunteering with CCS is that you make a difference in that person’s life.” – Maggie, CCS Volunteer
Maggie was originally drawn to volunteer as a driver for CCS because it fit well with her schedule. Now, Maggie has been a volunteer driver with CCS for several years, and her husband Randy has become a volunteer driver too. For Maggie, volunteering with CCS is a way to live out her values and give back to her community.
“I truly believe in giving back,” Maggie says. “My favorite thing about volunteering with CCS is that you make a difference in that person’s life and that you meet nice people.”
CCS Volunteer Services first connected with the Kitsap man through his case worker Teresa who reached out to seek transportation help. Teresa expressed her gratitude for the assistance from CCS volunteers: “My faith in the goodness of the universe continues to inspire me. This experience has filled my heart with joy, and it truly holds a special significance. Thank you all for your support!”
Rusty, CCS Volunteer Services coordinator, is glad that CCS volunteers were able to bring the CCS mission to life by making a positive difference in this man’s life.
“If we can make one person’s life just a little bit better, it has been a good day,” Rusty says.
For those we serve, this time of year can be extra challenging and, often, isolating. Our volunteers, however, remain more committed than ever to bringing compassion and care to our neighbors in need. Last year, CCS Volunteer Services received more than 8,000 hours of volunteer support in the month of December, a 60% increase from November.
We’re incredibly grateful for the life-changing support CCS volunteers provide during the Christmas season and throughout the year. From helping elderly and disabled adults with essential tasks to tutoring children in low-income housing, CCS volunteers are there. Explore our current volunteer opportunities.
If you’d like to support Catholic Community Services but volunteering isn’t the right fit, consider a gift to the 2024 Appeal for the Poor. Gifts to the Appeal for the Poor bring help and hope where it’s needed most in your local community.