Bear Huggers needed

Sue White

Do you enjoy meeting and getting to know your neighbors? Do you enjoy helping people? Do you have two to four hours a month free time to become a volunteer?

If so, then Kare Bears has a fun and rewarding opportunity waiting for you! Become a Unit Kare Bears Coordinator.

As you may know Kare Bears assists and supports residents who are ill, recuperating from surgery or hospitalization or have lost a loved one.

Coordinators play a very special role in providing services. Being a Kare Bears Coordinator is truly being a “neighbor helping neighbor.” By providing “kare” and support, coordinators earn the thanks and appreciation of their neighbors, have a sense of giving back to the community and make new and lasting friendships.

Currently we need additional volunteers to help us maintain a high standard of service. Each unit should have a minimum of two coordinators. Some of the larger units need up to 12 coordinators; unfortunately, as we have grown there are areas where we are lacking coverage. We are doing our best but need a bigger team of volunteers to be consistent.

A coordinator acts as the liaison between a neighbor in need of assistance and the services offered by Kare Bears. He or she makes a visit, lends a kare-ing ear, sends a get well card, discusses the availability of medical equipment, explains about our free transportation for medical, dental and rehab appointments and provides an extensive list of resources. Coordinators also make visits to new neighbors and deliver welcome packets.

We have over 7,500 residents so it really takes a village of volunteers to be there for everyone. Please call Rayma Scalzo at 623-935-1819 or send an email to [email protected] if you are interested or would like more information about becoming a coordinator. She will talk with you about it to see if it is something that interests you. Being a coordinator does not involve a huge amount of time and generally things can be done at your convenience.

Volunteer today and get that feel good feeling by giving back to your PebbleCreek friends and neighbors.