BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Hearts & Hands has been serving the rural and suburban parts of Erie County for decades and is now stepping into a larger role to fill a need created by the coronavirus crisis.
Due to Matilda’s Law, much of its volunteer workforce is unable to leave the house to do in-person volunteer services like grocery drop off or driving clients to doctors visits so now it’s asking for more volunteers.
You won’t get paid — but you will be covered while driving under the Heart & Hand insurance and receive reimbursement for your gas mileage.
An extensive background and health check is performed to make sure no one is showing signs of illness and extra precautions are being taken like asking everyone in the vehicle to wear a masks and gloves — clients are also being asked to ride in the back seat.
Hearts and Hands was asked by Erie County senior services to expand to include all parts of the county since its infrastructure was already in place.
The County says it has enough money to fund this program until the end of the crisis — even if no one knows how long that will be.
Volunteers help deliver groceries in a non-contact service, take clients to emergency appointments, and some just call seniors to talk with them and help with feelings of loneliness or isolation.
Click here to access the volunteer form, or you can call (716)-406-8311.
