By Diane Blaszka
Hamilton, NJ – March 30, 2012 — Volunteer-powered Interfaith Caregivers of Greater Mercer County (formerly Interfaith Caregivers Trenton), a nonprofit serving homebound elderly and people with disabilities, served close to 300 people throughout the County last year alone. On Tuesday, April 24th, the organization will honor its volunteers, who come from 28 interdenominational congregations throughout the County, at its annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner. The event, made possible in part by a generous grant from F.I.S.H. Foundation, Inc., will be held at the Nottingham Ballroom in Hamilton Square, NJ, from 6-8:30 pm. Volunteers attend at no charge and guest/supporters may attend for $30 per person.
“Our volunteers are of many religions, but they all have a love of their fellow man and a caring spirit in common,” says Sarah A. Thoma, Interfaith Caregiver’s Executive Director. “Whether a volunteer provides a friendly phone call or visit; a ride to the doctor, or help with shopping or household chores, he or she makes an incredible difference in the lives of our homebound care receivers — many whom want nothing more than to age in place in the comfort of their own homes. As Ghandi so eloquently stated, our ‘religion is kindness.’”
In 2011 alone, 241 active Interfaith Caregivers volunteers provided 10,910 hours of free services to close to 300 elderly and disabled people throughout the County — an increase in hours of more than 12.7% over 2010. Volunteer services included transportation to doctors’ offices, shopping, friendly visiting, light housekeeping and home maintenance, telephone reassurance and occasional meal preparation, enabling care receivers to avoid institutionalization and stay in their homes — independently, safely and with dignity. For further information about the organization, as well as volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, call Roz Dashiell at 609-393-9922.

