Kare Bears Board of Directors Opening
Maureen Plate
If you would be interested in working and serving on the Kare Bears board of directors, we need to fill the position of 1st Vice President. A board member’s term is for a minimum of two years and a maximum of four years.
We are looking for an energetic and enthusiastic team player with a commitment and skill to serve their friends and neighbors right here in PebbleCreek.
The 1st Vice President is, perhaps, the most fun and rewarding position on the board. This board member recruits and trains residents who are the contact people for specific lots in their unit or in a neighboring unit. The contact people are called Unit Coordinators and work on behalf of Kare Bears to educate residents on Kare Bears services, and be there for their neighbors in times of need. (They are different from the Unit Contacts through the HOA.)
If you are looking for a way to meet people, become involved, and make a difference in the lives of others, Kare Bears want you! Please contact President Tom Meek at 708-987-2296 or email him at [email protected].
Kare Bear Drivers Speak Up
Thank you, volunteers! Some of the Kare Bears resident drivers are pictured here, holding magnetic placards for their cars.
Maureen Plate
Some PebbleCreek residents are not aware of the services Kare Bears provide to our community. One of the most important services is the volunteer driver program. Resident drivers take residents to medical, dental, and physical therapy appointments. This service is free of charge. We request that you give the office a minimum of 48 hours’ notice before your appointment. We want to meet everyone’s needs, but unfortunately we currently have a limited number of drivers, so the sooner you contact us the better.
In May, 15 drivers met with the Kare Bears board members and some office volunteers to discuss the driver/pick up process to get ideas for improvements to the program. Every driver spoke about the good feeling they get from helping neighbors in need. Plus, they said it was a great way to meet residents and develop new friendships.
At the meeting, magnetic placards for their cars were given out. Some of the drivers, shown in the picture above, are holding them. It was a fun meeting sharing ideas and getting to know other drivers.
Needless to say, having only 34 drivers is not adequate for our community. PebbleCreek has over 9,000 residents and it is still growing. If you like to drive and can spare a few hours a month, Kare Bears would really appreciate your help. You can choose how far you drive, the days of the week that you prefer driving, receive reimbursement per the current IRS established rate for mileage, choose not to drive residents who have medical equipment, and so on.
For more information on how to volunteer and what information is needed from you, please go to our website at www.karebears.org or call the Kare Bears house at 623-536-1200. Thank you for your consideration of this much-needed volunteer position.
Kare Bears Equipment and Transportation Statistics for June
Rayma Scalzo
Listed below are some statistics on what services Kare Bears provided in the month of June. Keep in mind this was during the slow time of the year when many residents are away.
* Amount of medical equipment loaned out: 50 items
* Mileage driven to medically related appointments: 1,904 miles
We gladly accept monetary donations to maintain these services and other programs too. You can donate through our website at www.karebears.org. Just go to the site and click on “How to” on the top right of the screen. If you prefer to write a check, please make it payable to Kare-ing Neighbors, Inc. and send or deliver it to 15383 W. Cheery Lynn Rd., Goodyear, AZ 85395. Thank you.
Critical Blood Shortage—Can You Help?
Vitalant’s donor care specialists are highly trained to help you feel comfortable throughout the blood donation process, and your blood can transform the lives of others.
Dee-Dee Patrick, MS, RN Director, Kare Bears Health & Wellness
Summer is a critical time to donate blood as several thousand fewer donations are given now compared to the rest of the year.
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding donating blood:
* Unless you have been told specifically by a medical professional not to donate blood, there is no upper age limit for donation.
* If you have been told your iron level is low or that you are anemic, did you know iron levels can fluctuate day to day? Before you donate, your hemoglobin level is checked and you’ll be informed of the results.
* Vitalant staff will check your blood pressure before the donation and tell you the results. If your blood pressure is within approved guidelines and you meet all other requirements, you will qualify to donate blood. Besides, it’s always a good idea to get a current measure. It’s one of the benefits of giving blood.
* While almost everyone feels a little nervous the first time, Vitalant’s highly trained donor care specialists will help you feel comfortable throughout every step of the process. And, once you find out how easy it is, you’ll wonder why you waited so long to do something that transforms not only your life but the lives of up to three others.
* Did you know you can give blood more than once a year? Just to make sure you are eligible, here are the waiting periods between donations:
Whole blood: 56 days (8 weeks)
Double red cell (also called Power Red): 112 days (16 weeks)
For more information about donor eligibility, go to vitalant.org/Donate/Donor-Eligibility.
It typically takes less than an hour to give a whole blood donation. Schedule an appointment online in advance, and we will do our very best to get you in and out quickly.
Thank you for considering donating this life-giving resource.
Health & Wellness of Kare Bears Vitalant Blood Drive
Date: Tuesday, Aug. 23
Time: 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Eagle’s Nest Palm Room
Reservation: Go to KareBears.org or donors.vitalant.org