Volunteers in any capacity often say they get tremendous satisfaction in helping others, and their recipients’ gratitude is reward enough. Bena Gerber, a Senior Corps-RSVP member who drives for Escorted Transportation Service Northwest (ETS/NW) is no exception. Yet for her, there’s an added bonus. The people she brings to doctor appointments, blood tests, or other necessary treatments are not just clients. They’ve become her friends and family.

“I’m filling in for kids who aren’t able to drive their parents when they need it,” she said. “So in a way, I am family. I even bonded with one of my passengers over our love of cats. I haven’t met a grumpy passenger yet.”

Read the stories of four of our Senior Corps-RSVP members that “pivoted” from their regular volunteering to embrace new possibilities for helping in these unprecedented times.

Jess Park and Aaron Wasserman Olin—the School Programs team at HandsOn Suburban Chicago (HOSC)—recently caught up with two volunteers who are increasing access to nutritious meals for our vulnerable neighbors. Jim Hynan is a Senior Corps-RSVP member who, prior to the novel coronavirus pandemic, donated his time and talents to HOSC’s CHiL and Lunch Buddies….

Meet Kara Zukoski Jess Park, director of school programs, recently corresponded with HandsOn Connect user Kara Zukoski to discuss her contributions to The Palatine Township Food Pantry, The Wheeling Township Food Pantry, WINGS, Connections for the Homeless, The Harper Student Emergency Relief Fund, and the 214Cares Emergency Fund. Their correspondence has been edited. Jess Park:…

Music is a universal language with the ability to inspire us and instantly change our mood. HandsOn Suburban Chicago will be publishing playlists to help people get through this uniquely challenging time. Disclaimer: This blog post contains quoted profanity. The songs on this playlist that contain explicit language, which may not be suitable for all…

In times of widespread crisis, workers may not be essential but volunteers are. Ordinary people are typically the first to assist in a disaster and the last ones to leave. Volunteerism, unlike vocation, demands civic character and exemplifies the ideal of democracy. It acknowledges that the well-being of every individual is integral to the well-being…

Throughout this month, HandsOn Suburban Chicago (HOSC) will be highlighting the altruism the pandemic has inspired by getting to know people who acted on our website’s opportunities to be essential. If you would like to tell your story of volunteering during the novel coronavirus crisis, please email it to jess@handsonsuburbanchicago.org. Meet Meal Delivery Volunteer Liz…

COVID-19 has opened Pandora’s box. But the global chaos spurred by this virus has also crystallized how interconnected humanity is. Never before in our lifetime have our everyday actions impacted others in such a far-reaching and overwhelming way. (Remember when coughing was just a banal reflex?) Although this new reality can feel paralyzing, we can…