Editor’s Note: This is the second in a three-part series on volunteer opportunities in and near Queen Creek. Read last week's story HERE.
There’s so much good that can be done by simply volunteering a couple hours of time to local organizations. Whether it’s getting out in nature, interacting with those in need or working events, there’s organizations that are always looking for an extra hand to help out in fulfilling their mission.
For local residents looking to utilize their free time by giving back in the form of volunteering, here’s a glimpse into some wonderful local organizations.
About Care
The team behind About Care works to assist the home bound elderly and those with disabilities living in Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Chandler and Gilbert. Their goal is to allow them to live independently as long as possible.
The organization provides those in need with business/financial help, friendly visits to provide social interaction, weekly check in calls, minor home repairs, transportation to and from medical or social appointments, shopping, running errands and respite care.
Their services vary depending on what each individual needs. It may be temporary care after a surgery or someone who just needs company.
“People move to the Valley and they may not have a support system. Being alone, you may have lost a lot of things, your eyesight might be going, you can’t drive anymore, you lost your spouse, whatever it may be… just a small touch of communication can really make a difference in someone’s day,” said CEO Ann Marie McArthur. “It’s about helping people meet their basic needs and reduce isolation. Social isolation is so horrible on your health, it’s like smoking two packs of cigarettes a day.”
Volunteers get to pick and choose when they want to volunteer, how often, and what they’d like to do. Some individuals that volunteer their time with About Care aren’t even located within Arizona. People may write cheerful cards to get sent out, make phone calls to check in with individuals, etc. About Care is also looking for more individuals to join their board of directors.
“You can volunteer as much time as you want, even if it’s a half hour a week or coming to help giveaway Christmas presents, etc. it makes such a difference,” McArthur said. “It adds so much to both people’s lives. Not only the people they’re serving, but their own life.”
Location: Serves residents within the East Valley.
Volunteer information: aboutcare.org/volunteer.
More information: aboutcare.org.
NAGI Foundation
The NAGI Foundation focuses on uniting people and animals through their animal health services, educational programs and behavioral health resources. Their mission expands beyond their services, it’s about keeping families together, including their four-legged friend.
“We show up to drive our mission through a lot of different avenues. It can look really different, depending on each family's needs,” said Laila Coniglio, director of operations and marketing. "For many, it's through providing life-saving wellness services like vaccines for their pets. For others it's through distribution of needed pet food or supplies. Sometimes it's crisis management. NAGI Foundation works in all these situations to connect community members to the resources they need most."
NAGI is looking for volunteers to help out at their mobile veterinary clinic that they host monthly in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian community. From checking in patients to helping with set up and working with the animals, it’s because of their volunteers that they’re able to execute these events. With big plans on the horizon, they’re hoping to open their Animal Shelter & Community Engagement Center in 2025.
“We can step back and take that 10,000-foot view and look at the data, the progress and positive impact we’ve made over the years, but on a one-on-one level, being able to see the families happy and whole is what keeps us coming back,” Coniglio said. “Being able to see that you’re making a macro level difference, but also having these micro moments along the way is very rewarding.”
Location: Serves the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
Volunteer information: email info@nagifoundation.org or visit nagifoundation.org/get-involved/volunteer.
More information: nagifoundation.org.
Noble Hospice
Noble Hospice brings individualized hospice and palliative care right to your home. They treat the patient, not the illness. The emphasis is on quality rather than the length of life. By focusing on bringing them comfort, peace and encouraging them to participate in activities they care for, they’re able to hone in on the emotional well-being of those they serve.
As a family owned and operated hospice care agency, Noble Hospice utilizes a hands-on methodology of treatment to focus on each patient's needs and comfort. Medical and support services are available to patients who may be living at home, a nursing home or assisted living facility.
While the hospice team takes care of any medical needs, volunteers are there to provide companionship and assist the team when they can. Volunteers focus on enhancing patient’s quality of life through the power of simple, human interactions.
"Noble Hospice volunteers are a dedicated team of compassionate professionals that provide unwavering support and comfort to make every moment matter for our patients and their families,” said Joshua Buchanan, CEO and partner.
Location: 2222 S. Dobson Road, Suite 1004, Mesa.
Volunteer information: hospicenoble.com/volunteers.
More information: hospicenoble.com.
Pittie Me Rescue
This nonprofit, dog rescue based out of Gilbert works toward not only re-homing dogs, but reducing the stigma surrounding pit bulls. Through educating the public, Pittie Me Rescue challenges the tainted reputation and stereotypes surrounding pit bull-type dogs.
On their website you can find information and resources regarding dog ownership, re-homing, housetraining, and more. For all animal lovers, Pittie Me Rescue has volunteer opportunities ranging from spending time with and taking out the foster dogs to organizing and executing fundraising events, helping care for the dogs at their foster homes, assisting with transportation of the pups to and from the vet, and more.
Volunteers must be 18 or older. If interested in fostering one of their rescues, fill out the foster application on their website.
Location: Gilbert.
Volunteer information: pittiemerescue.org/volunteer.
More information: pittiemerescue.org.
Resurrection Street Ministry
This faith-based, non-profit organization’s mission is to care for their neighbors. They’re there for anyone in need, whether they're a veteran, senior, facing homelessness, families or group home residents.
In 2021 Resurrection Street Ministry (RSM) distributed 3,000,000 pounds of food and household goods through their food bank and meal distribution programs in Mesa and Chandler. RSM also provides free, non-emergency rides, a mobile food truck and veteran/senior services.
Special Treasures of Useful Fashions and Furniture (S.T.U.F.F.) is a donation-based thrift store stocked with clothing, toys, sports equipment, and more. All proceeds go directly to RSM to support their programs and outreach events.
RSM welcomes all volunteers. Volunteers can choose how they’d like to help out from assisting in food delivery, working in their thrift store, off-site food delivery, driving, serving or packing.
Location: 1135 E. Main St., Mesa.
Volunteer information: rsmaz.org/volunteer.
More information: rsmaz.org.
