The Harvard Press has launched a series of articles spotlighting local organizations. Each article features a Q&A with a representative of a local organization. The idea is to inform readers about the organizations in town, what they do, and how to get involved. If you would like your organization to be featured, please contact the editor at editor@harvardpress.com or 978-456-3700.
This week we’re featuring Harvard Help.
Q&A with President, Maria Holland of the Council on Aging (with whom Harvard Help has a close relationship); vice president, Pat Edmonds; treasurer, Mabel Sawyer; steering committee members Marty Green, Pat White, and Carol Landry
Pat Edmonds (left) and Carol Landry of Harvard Help. (Courtesy photo)
Organization name: Harvard Help
How would you describe the group?
Harvard Help is “Neighbors helping Neighbors.” We provide, free of charge, transportation for Harvard residents who, for whatever reason, are unable to drive themselves. Typically we drive to doctor’s and dentist’s appointments, shopping, banking, trips to and from Hildreth House, etc.
What would you most like people to know about the group?
Harvard Help allows residents to stay in their homes, in the town they love, and enables them to keep appointments and do errands when they can no longer drive themselves.
Are there activities planned for this year?
As we are in need of volunteers, we plan to be at the Apple Blossom Festival this year on May 12. In the past, we have appeared at the Volunteer Fair at the library and we have walked in the July 4 parade on a couple of occasions. We are always in need of volunteers both to be a “stay-at-home” answerer for one day a month or to be a driver for one day a month. We do not hold fund raisers. There is no charge for our services; however, contributions are always welcome to defray costs of mailing the monthly schedule, etc.
When was the group formed?
Harvard Help was formed some 35 years ago and Charlanne Van Wormer was instrumental in getting the organization started. Mimmu Sloan was also involved in the very early days and for many years until her departure for Finland. Dianne Carter then became president until 2011. We have five log keepers who are members of the Steering Committee. The log keeper’s duties are to coordinate the activities of the answerers and drivers for one week at a time, and to keep the log book as a permanent record of daily activities. A monthly schedule is sent to all volunteers.
Who may join?
Anyone who can answer a telephone and take a message or anyone who can spare one day a month to drive a client to an appointment or an errand. An answerer is on call from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for one day each month. Clients call the Police Department non-emergency number (978-456-8276) to get the telephone number of the answerer to call with their request–most clients give at least 24 hours’ notice of their request. I should also mention that some of our answerers are people who do not drive but who use the services provided by Harvard Help. A driver is also available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (on occasions, a little earlier or a little later) for one day a month. Most drives fall within about a 15-mile radius. We can also provide transportation to Worcester and Boston, for medical appointments only, but we have only a very limited numbers of drivers willing to do this. However, we should point out that the Council on Aging van is available, at a nominal charge, to take Harvard residents to all surrounding towns as well as to medical appointments in Worcester or Boston. After July 1 of this year, requests for use of the COA van should be made direct to the COA at 978-456-4120.
Who might be most interested in the group?
Our volunteers cover a wide cross-section of Harvard residents, and recently we have had a number of retired gentlemen joining us as both answerers and drivers.
Who are the contacts for the group?
We do not have a website, nor do we have regular meetings other than the Annual General Meeting which, this year, will be held at the home of Pat Edmonds at 68 Slough Road on Monday, May 21, at 7 p.m. All are welcome.
For general information, or to volunteer, any member of the Steering Committee would welcome a call. Pat Edmonds (granpme@verizon.net) 978-456-8367; Mabel Sawyer, 978-425-5114; Pat White, 978-456-8127; Marty Green, 978-456-3547; Carol Landry, 978-456-9645.
