Helping Hands of Yuma Urgently Seeks Volunteer Drivers for Foothills Seniors

Helping Hands of Yuma issued a call for volunteers on February 9 after a sharp decline in drivers left seniors in the Foothills area of Yuma County without rides to medical, legal and financial appointments. The nonprofit says it can currently provide about 20 rides per week while roughly 100 seniors remain signed up for the service.

Executive Director Amy Obney warned the gap between demand and capacity has real consequences for seniors who rely on the program to attend doctors' visits and manage essential paperwork. "it is difficult to turn people away when they call for help. She says there is much more need than the organization can currently meet." Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Helping Hands had about 25 volunteers providing transportation; today the group reports about 10 drivers are available.

Volunteers describe the work as more than shuttle service. “Volunteering is a way to give back to the community while getting to know people and making new friends,” said Susan, a Helping Hands volunteer. Volunteers say the service is about more than rides; it's also about building relationships and helping seniors stay independent.

Helping Hands of Yuma provides free transportation and other supports designed to help older residents remain in their homes. Services include transportation with an emphasis on medical appointments, shopping assistance, social enrichment, advocacy, loaned medical equipment and other practical services to help aging citizens thrive and remain valued community members. A Mightycause description of the nonprofit adds that Helping Hands is “100% funded by private donations, and powered by thousands of hours of volunteer labor.”

The organization lists multiple volunteer roles for those who want to help. Opportunities include medical transportation (drivers), shopping assistance, yard sale team, social events and activities team, office help, senior encouragement, assisting with donations, helping at fundraisers, making friendly phone calls and writing notes of encouragement to seniors. Helping Hands also notes that even people who cannot drive can still assist and that “even volunteering one day a week can make a difference.”

Residents who want to volunteer can sign up by calling 928-305-9974, emailing helpinghandsaobney@gmail.com, or visiting the organization’s website. Volunteers and community groups already active in Yuma highlight a robust local volunteer ecosystem. The Yuma Community Food Bank relied on more than 10,000 volunteers last year for 160,231 volunteer hours and distributes 55,000 meals daily, five days a week. ACHIEVE Human Services encourages community participation across many programs and lists roles from community gardener to front desk support; its volunteer application may be returned to 3250A E. 40th Street, Yuma, AZ 85365 or faxed to (928) 329-8950.

Testimonials gathered on Helping Hands’ Mightycause page underscore the program’s impact: “Thank you so much for being there when I needed your help. I had no one else to turn to. I'm sure glad you were all there for me. Thanks again, Kathy.” “Thank you for providing my parents with essential PPE last year. We live far away, but knowing your organization was there for them during these scary times eased our minds greatly! Keep up the good work”, Tina and John. “I just can't say enough about the phone calls and cards I receive each month from your volunteers. It has made isolations a lot less lonely. I am sure glad to be a part of the Helping Hands family! You are all angels!”, Glenda. “I just made a small donation to your organization, as this resource list is so valuable to us, I could just cry! Thank you again! Your work is important and appreciated.”, Jill. “Thank you so much for this resource list. I just want to let you know what a blessing you are. Such a happy, caring voice that calms the nerves and helps you think everything is going to be alright. You made my day!”, Sue.

With demand outstripping capacity, Helping Hands of Yuma is asking neighbors to step forward. Signing up to drive or to help in any of the listed roles would immediately increase the number of seniors who can keep medical appointments and remain connected to the community.