CREST needs volunteers

To the Editor:

If you have some spare time on your hands and are looking for something to do, why not consider becoming a CREST volunteer.

Volunteers of different faiths help people shop, cook, drive or just check in on someone to see how they are doing. Even just a few hours a month can make a world of difference.

CREST has been helping people in need in Martin County for more than 20 years and is looking to increase its volunteer numbers because of more requests for services.

You might be asking, “How can I help?” Some of the CREST volunteer opportunities include:

o Friendly visiting and telephone reassurance. This allows you to visit with someone at their home or over the phone. This helps people who cannot get out much avoid social isolation.

o Home helper. This service is on in which a volunteer would help a care receiver who is recovering from surgery or is not able to household chores and needs assistance with light housekeeping, making a meal, going through the mail or assistance with forms.

o Minor home repair. There are many tasks we take for granted around the house such as changing a light bulb, changing batteries in a smoke detector or shoveling snow. A CREST volunteer would take the time and get these jobs taken care of.

o Transportation. This opportunity is our most in demand service. Volunteers take care receivers to get groceries, keep their medical appointments, pick up prescriptions, and attend to other needs where transportation is required. Also, we provide out-of-town transportation to medical appointments in Rochester, Mankato, Sioux Falls or the Twin Cities.

o Respite care. This is where a volunteer provides temporary and short-term relief for someone who is taking care of a loved one or friend who has Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Disease. Respite care is provided for two to four hours a day, but not more than eight hours in one day.

If one of these volunteer opportunities sounds interesting to you and you would like to find out how to become a CREST volunteer, please call the CREST office at (507) 235-3833 for more information and we will send you a volunteer application. Tell a friend who might be looking to volunteer as well. If you have wondered how you can make a difference, volunteer with CREST. We know how to use your time and talents right here in Martin County. Please give us a call today for more information.

Rob Stauter

CREST executive director

Fairmont