MANCHESTER – Olivia Kennedy brings Peggy Cobb more than just groceries. She brings her happiness. Like many people, Cobb could use some cheering up during this pandemic.
Peggy Cobb, 81, of Toms River relies on Olivia Kennedy, 26, of Manchester for her grocery shopping.
“Olivia doesn’t understand the impact she has made in my life. I can count on her, she doesn’t rush out, she talks with me. I can only describe her as a Godsend.” Cobb said.
Kennedy is one of the hundreds of volunteers in Ocean County who has decided to provide this vital service to a senior in her area.
“Originally, I heard of Caregivers through my church, Redeemer Lutheran Church of Manchester. From my understanding, Caregivers likes to connect elders with volunteer members from their church if at all possible,” Kennedy said.
She added that she wanted to work with Caregivers of Central Jersey “because I see the need of my town and wanted to help. Ocean County has a large elder population and by providing transportation for doctors’ visits and grocery shopping, it was a small way I could help.”
“Getting to work one-on-one with people is something I enjoy because I like getting to know them. As the state gradually starts to reopen, grocery shopping still remains as much of a necessity as it was during the height of the coronavirus pandemic,” Kennedy said.
“When I visit Peggy to pick up her grocery list we typically talk and check-in with each other. I ask about how she is doing and she checks in with me. Peggy has been supportive of me as I completed school,” she added.
Caregiver Volunteers is actively seeking people willing to volunteer to grocery shop for the homebound elderly in their neighborhood. With new guidelines that go beyond CDC recommendations, safety is the number one priority. Caregiver Volunteers is looking to recruit 100 volunteers in the Toms River, Manchester, and Whiting areas.
New volunteers would help with contactless grocery delivery and would provide transport to medical appointments. The current public health crisis has put tremendous strain on the supportive networks of the homebound. They continue to need help.
“With everything going on, I just wanted to help. I had been thinking about volunteering for a while but things just seemed to get in the way but knowing there are amazing people, like Peggy, that need help. I knew I just couldn’t wait any longer,” Kennedy said.
Kennedy added, “I am so glad I had the chance to meet and help Peggy. I look forward to it every week.”
Caregivers provides vital assistance to seniors, the elderly disabled, veterans, individuals with dementia, and loved ones with chronic illness to allow them to remain independent in their own homes.
All services are free of charge to over 2,500 Ocean and Monmouth County residents over the age of 60, who no longer drive.
Volunteers provide transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, reassuring phone calls, friendly visits, and relief for family caregivers.
Megan O’Keefe, the organization’s new executive director said, “I have only one word to describe my short time at this incredible organization, ‘humbling.’ I am humbled by the gratitude of those we help, the commitment of our volunteers, the dedication of the staff and generosity of our supporters.”
“Caregiver Volunteers is truly unique in level of connection and care we have to our community. Although my first eight weeks at Caregivers has been anything but easy, I am so happy to be a part of this vital meaningful work,” O’Keefe added.
She said, “we find our true character in how we handle moments like this. Our collective commitment to the people in our community will make us all stronger than ever. Caregiver Volunteers was founded on the core value – that our elderly deserve to live with dignity and joy as a part of our community.”
O’Keefe noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our communities, and that the seniors have been hit especially hard.
“The need for our services has never been greater. With the state slowly beginning to open, our services are quickly moving back to full capacity. Our office receives over 100 calls a day from people who need help,” she said.
“We are putting out the mayday to the community. This is our call to action to get volunteers to help homebound seniors grocery shop and get to and from medical appointments. All services have new safety guidelines in place and PPE is available for all volunteers,” O’Keefe said.
She said now is the perfect time to sign up and train as a volunteer. The entire process has gone virtual. All opportunities are flexible and can fit into any schedule.
Kennedy said, “volunteering for Caregivers and working with Peggy is such an easy way to help out. Peggy is appreciative of what I do and works with me to coordinate our schedules. It is great to be able to get to know her beyond the grocery shopping I do for her.”
For more information or to sign up for the next 30-minute training visit and to learn more about CVCJ, visit caregivervolunteers.org, or call 732-505-2273.
