Many nonprofits benefit from utilizing outside help, and one of Consumers Credit Union’s core charities, Milestone Senior Services, is no exception. Milestone relies on a dedicated team of volunteers to assist and deliver essential services, primarily through the Home Delivered Meals, Ramp Building and Senior Companion programs. Last year, Milestone utilized 284 volunteers for a total of 34,369 hours of service. Without these volunteers, the cost of running these programs would become too expensive to sustain.

Volunteering at Milestone is not just about service; it’s also a rewarding personal experience. Meals on Wheels volunteers, for instance, do more than just deliver food. In many cases, they might be the only person a client interacts with all day, making their warm greetings and friendly smiles a vital part of the service.

For over a decade now, a Consumers team member has served as a hopper on a meal route one day a week.

“Our team members love volunteering with the Meals on Wheels Program,” said Katie Lawson, a Consumers member service representative who helps internally organize the participants.

“This partnership has led to years of shared friendship with the people we meet and exemplifies the mutual benefits of corporate volunteering.

“Employees are able to gain a true sense of fulfillment while giving back to the community.”

Other ways to volunteer

• The Milestone Ramp Building crew provide ramps for clients to safely come and go from their homes, bringing them great satisfaction and a sense of purpose. The clients are always so grateful and the group of volunteers, who are a mix of retired tradesmen and those looking to learn new skills, have a strong camaraderie.
• The Senior Companion program pairs volunteers with older adults who may feel isolated and crave occasional companionship. These matches often result in long-lasting connections, either in person or by phone. Everyone needs someone they can chat with.
• AmeriCorp Seniors connects individuals aged 55 and above with volunteer opportunities. This is an excellent way for retirees to find meaningful ways to spend their time, with the flexibility to commit as much or as little as they wish.

If you’re interested in volunteering with Milestone, reach out to their Volunteer Services Department at (269) 382-0515, x180, to get started. Your time and skills could make a world of difference to someone in need.