VOLUNTEER
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Volunteers are the heart of The Payson Senior Center. We welcome you with open arms, and THANK YOU for your willingness to share of your time, energy and talents. As we strive to serve our seniors and our community, we are all a piece of the puzzle....YOU are that missing piece.
Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.” |
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Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What types of volunteer opportunities are available at Payson Senior Center?
We offer a variety of opportunities for volunteers, including meal delivery to homebound seniors, assisting with meal preparation and service in our dining room, coordinating activities and events, cashiering, and providing transportation for seniors who need help getting to appointments or the grocery store. There’s something for everyone, and we’ll work with you to find the best fit based on your skills and interests.
2. Do I need previous experience to volunteer?
Not at all! We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or this is your first time, we will provide the necessary training and support to ensure you feel confident and equipped for your role.
3. What kind of training and support will I receive?
Every volunteer receives comprehensive training before starting, which covers everything from safety protocols to effective communication with seniors. You’ll also be introduced to our team members and given a tour of the center to familiarize yourself with our facilities. Throughout your time with us, our staff will be available to answer any questions and provide support whenever needed.
4. How much time do I need to commit?
We understand that everyone has different schedules. Whether you can commit to a few hours a week or a few days a month, we’ll work with your availability. There is no minimum requirement, so you have the freedom to choose the commitment level that works best for you.
5. Can I choose the volunteer activities I’m most comfortable with?
Absolutely! We want you to enjoy your time volunteering. You’ll have the freedom to select the tasks and activities that align with your interests and skills. Whether you prefer hands-on work like meal prep or more social roles like organizing events or providing companionship to seniors, we’ll ensure you’re placed in a role you’re excited about.
6. Will I have the opportunity to interact directly with seniors?
Yes! Many of our volunteer roles involve direct interaction with seniors, whether through meal delivery, transportation, or simply spending time chatting and engaging with them during activities. These personal connections are a big part of what makes volunteering here so rewarding. If you are a behind the scenes person, we have something for you.
7. What if I don’t feel comfortable in a particular role after starting?
We want your experience to be fulfilling, so if you find that a specific role isn’t the right fit for you, we’ll gladly work with you to find another opportunity that suits your preferences. Your comfort and enjoyment are important to us.
8. How do I sign up to volunteer?
It’s easy! Simply fill out our online volunteer application or stop by the center to pick up a form. Once we receive your application, we’ll be in touch to schedule a quick meeting to learn more about your interests and availability.
9. Can I volunteer with a group?
Yes! We welcome groups from local organizations, businesses, or even families looking to volunteer together. Group volunteer opportunities are available for special events, meal preparation, or other activities where teamwork is needed. Just let us know, and we’ll help coordinate a meaningful group experience.
10. What if I have more questions before signing up?
Feel free to reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator, Tim Thornton, at 928-474-4876 or [email protected]. We’re happy to answer any additional questions you may have and help you get started on your volunteering journey with us! Visit us at 514 West Main Street, Payson, AZ 85541.
Looking back through the years...RECOGNIZING VOLUNTEERS:
Suzy is our August volunteer of the month. Suzy has been volunteering at Trinkets and Treasures for almost two years.
She has accumulated over 400 hours!!! Suzy is a beautiful and friendly person. We are blessed to have her on our team!
Thank you, Suzy!!
She has accumulated over 400 hours!!! Suzy is a beautiful and friendly person. We are blessed to have her on our team!
Thank you, Suzy!!
Kathy Shaw has been with Trinkets and Treasures 1 year 9 months. She has accumulated 454.30 hours. Kathy is dedicated and puts forth a great effort in keeping the store maintained. Kathy spends most of her time sorting and hanging the fine clothing that the store offers. We are blessed to have Kathy on our team.
Carol Davis is our June volunteer of the month. Carole has volunteered at the Payson Senior Center for 3 years 9 months and accumulated 673.45 hours. Carole assists with decorating and events and with line dancing. Carole has a smile for all she meets and is always eager to help others. We are proud to nominate Carole for Employee of the month. Thank you, Carole, for all you do.
Brigett Gonzalez is our March volunteer of the month. Brigett calls bingo and leads arts and crafts for our participants. Brigett has accumulated 251 hours since becoming a volunteer in August 2020. She is always willing to lend a helping hand. Everyone says she is Amazing. Congratulations Brigett
Bob Dinard has been with us since 2019 and accumulated 168 hours. Bob volunteers in our kitchen for our Meals on Wheels Program.
Bob is always willing to lend a helping hand and we appreciate his help. He is someone we can depend on.
We could not do what we do without volunteers like him.
Jamie Chandler leads the Strength and balance exercise class. She started volunteering 2019 and has accumulated 372 hours. She has gone above and beyond to make all she does fresh and exciting. During COVID she zoomed a strength and balance class. She helps in our kitchen, washing the dishes, and serving our clients as needed. She has a passion and heart for our seniors. We absolutely love Jamie. Congratulations Jamie.
Gail Weekly our December Volunteer of the Month: Gail and her significant other, Tim started driving for us on 8/01/21 and have accumulated 93.30 hours. they drive every Thursday to Payson and Star Valley. Tim and Gail drive their own vehicle and never ask the center to reimburse for gas. She is loved by all her clients. She always has a smile on her face and they never complain. She is a ball of energy in a small package…. We could not deliver Thursdays without both of them!!!
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Gary and Jean Thomas our November Volunteers of the Month: They Volunteer as Meals on Wheels Drivers. They just recently started volunteering but took to it like a fish to water. They drive every other week serving the Star Valley area. They met each other while attending Phoenix collage in 1958 and married in 1959. They have been together 64 years this June. They started volunteering at Habitat for Humanity, they served there for 15 years. They saw an ad in the Roundup and answered the ad to serve here at Payson Senior Center. Thank you, Gary and Jean. |
Susan has been with Payson Senior Center, as a greeter since May 5, 2021. She loves our seniors and always has a kind word for them and a smile. Susan goes the extra mile for our seniors and our staff. We could not do what we do without volunteers like Susan Ward. Congratulations Susan for a job well done.
Ernie Duca: Ernie (pictured far left) started volunteering 6/13/18 and accumulated 234.30 hours. She is a pleasure to work with, always offering a helping hand. She volunteered in many of our events such as the bake sale, and volunteered as a greeter. She is loving and kind and always has a smile for our seniors
Tom has volunteered at Payson Senior Center for our Meals on Wheels Program as an assistant to our drivers. He started volunteering March 21, 2021, to present. He’s accumulated 509 hours. Tom is a valued team member, and we couldn’t do what we do without volunteers like him. Thank you, Tom!
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Suzanne Jones: Began volunteering 9/1/2021 and accumulated 182.33 hours. She is one of our line dance instructors. The students like the way she breaks down the dances and introduces some new and upcoming dances that are being done. She also drives for Meals on Wheels. |
Careth Curry: Began volunteering 11/10/2016 and has accumulated 999.30 hours. Careth is an amazing individual and volunteer. She has always gone above and beyond what is asked of her. She would start her shift with conversations with our guests that come into the Center to eat. Careth has been an administrative volunteer, a greeter, and helped with events and worked closely with our marketing and communications director. Careth supported our administrative staff, we couldn’t have done it without her. Careth was also instrumental in getting our volunteer program off the ground with Service Enterprise through the Governor’s Office for Youth, Faith and Family. She helped write the job descriptions, procedures, and guidelines for the Volunteer Program.
Diana is the winner of our May 2022 Volunteer of the Month award. Diana will often donate wonderful themed baskets that are put up for raffle to the patrons of the Payson Senior Center. Thank you, Diana, for sharing your time and talents with everyone!
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In honor and in memory of Ted.
Ted has been a volunteer for a year with Meals on Wheels. He started as a Clean up Assistant and now has stepped up as a driver for MOW. He is an amazing asset to the program. Thank you Ted for all that you for our seniors. |
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Jim and his wife, Suzi, are not new to volunteering. They have volunteered back east for an animal rescue organization for which they still sponsor. They have been very involved with Trinkets & Treasures and the Payson Senior Center for three years. Jim is currently volunteering as a cashier at T&T. Thank you Jim for all that you do!
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Linda B. has been a super star volunteer with Trinkets & Treasures for a year. She can multi-tasks in all volunteer positions and gives great customer service to boot! Thank you Linda for blessing us with your time!
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Dixie has only been a volunteer with us a short time; however, she has made a huge impact on both sides of the house. She started at Trinkets & Treasures sorting and processing the treasures that come in. Dixie has transitioned to Meals-on-Wheels as a runner. Thank you Dixie for being a flexible volunteer and stepping up where needed!
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The Take Two Band with Jim & Kathleen Kelley are an amazing musical duo. They have been entertaining for our guests for over 10 years. Our line dancers have had a blast listening and dancing to their music! They play a variety of music from country to Celtic to love songs. Jim and Kathleen, thank you so much for the music!
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Jennifer Holly and Anne James are Cinnamon Twist. They have been performing here at The Center for over 10 years. They have shared their music with all who come to listen. They continue to give of themselves in every aspect of our lives. It's always entertaining when they get everyone to join in on the fun. Thank you for the joy you bring to everyone here!!!
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Jeanette has been with Trinkets & Treasure now for 1 1/2 years. Her real job is to coach volunteers that she brings to Trinkets & Treasures to learn job skills and gain experience for the real world. She always goes above and beyond what her job requires of her, and is always proving what an asset she is! Her and her team help us keep our store stocked and organized. Thank you Janette for all that you do!!
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Pat is a "Jack of All Trades" Volunteer. She pitches in wherever is needed! She helps with Bingo to different lunch prep jobs that need to be done for our guests that come in...She helps to serve lunch to our guests. She has also jumped in to help greet and check our guests in for lunch. If you need something done, Pat is there to help! Thank you Pat for all you do the Payson Senior Center!
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Bob
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Bob is a Meals on Wheel Volunteer. He started out as an Early Bird Assistant in which he pre-checked the vehicles, helped the drivers pack the meals and load them in the vehicles. He is now training to drive and deliver the meals to our homebound clients. Soon he will be filling in as a substitute when one of our MOW drivers are out. He is also one of my volunteer drivers for our senior trips....Thank you Bob for all you do!
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Jackie
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Jackie is one of our Trinkets & Treasures Volunteers. She came to the rescue when Trinkets had a carnival for their customers and they needed someone to do face painting. She not only said she'd help, she brought books and practiced before the event. Jackie's creations were amazing and the kids loved her! Jackie, Thank you for being apart of the team!!!
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Becky
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Becky is one of our Beeline Bus Buddies. She helps the riders understand how to use the public transit system here in Payson. She makes sure they get off at the right stop and understands the routes. Her energetic personality is a perfect combination as a bus buddy. She also trains the new bus buddies. She is an amazing asset to our Beeline Bus! So, jump on the Beeline Bus and meet Becky! Thank you!
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Mary
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Mary is a jack of all trades volunteer...She is a greeter, helps in the kitchen, an amazing baker, teaches candy making classes for our guests and is also teaching a Fondant Class as part of our Culinary Experience. Mary pitches in wherever is needed. Everyone loves when Mary is making one of her specialty goodies!
THANK YOU MARY!!! |
Teri
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Teri is a superstar volunteer. She use to be one of our wonderful Meals on Wheels Drivers, and now helps us in the office. She's a greeter, filer and helps with administration. We so love having Teri around each week to brighten our days.
THANK YOU TERI! 2002 In Memory of Teri |
Arlene
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Arlene is one of our amazing volunteers. She leads one of our "strength and balancing" classes. We are very thankful for her and her dedication to helping our Center.
THANK YOU ARLENE! |
