Wish List: Chore service program seeks volunteers

They sat across from each other at the kitchen table, just like they do every week, going over the grocery list.

Elsie Bradley makes the requests, and Vicki Berndt either takes her to the store or goes shopping.

On that day, Bradley’s list wasn’t too long. It had zucchini and pears, some bread.

And soup. Double-sided tape.

And peanuts. “Now, that’s a new one,” Berndt said.

“Well this squirrel was hanging on my bird feeder. I was scared to death he was going to break it,” Bradley said.

“Oh, you want peanuts for the squirrel, not for you!” Berndt said with a laugh.

“That’s right,” Bradley answered. The 92-year-old, who lives in Richland, has come to rely on Berndt and her help.

The two were connected several years ago through Volunteer Chore Services, a program of the nonprofit Catholic Family & Child Service.

Through the program, volunteers help low-income disabled adults and seniors age 60 and older with tasks such as household chores, errands and minor home repairs.

In some cases, like with Berndt and Bradley, volunteers regularly work with a specific client. Other times, volunteers help out with special one-time projects.

“Our main focus is, we want to help our (clients) continue living independently. There’s a lot of dignity to be given with that opportunity,” said Jackie Martinez, a program official.

Kelli Ramey, program coordinator, added, “The need exists in the community.”

Just because it’s not always obvious, “doesn’t mean it’s not there,” she said.

This holiday season, chore service leaders hope for more volunteers, especially those willing to do light housekeeping.

The group also needs ramp-building material, such as lumber, or financial donations to buy the supplies.

Berndt, of Richland, became involved with Volunteer Chore Services about 15 years ago, after an elderly neighbor started needing help.

Berndt called around to see what programs were available for the woman and came across the chore service.

She started working with Bradley about eight years ago. She makes sure the older woman is stocked up on groceries and at times helps with other needs, such as doctor visits.

Berndt said she’s been blessed in her own life, and volunteering with the chore service is a way to give back.

“I think it’s something we should do — help others if we can,” she said. “We never know when we’ll be the ones to need help.”

Bradley hails from Great Britain. That’s where she met her husband, Joe, an American who served in the Canadian technical corps during World War II.

They moved to the United States, eventually settling in the Tri-Cities. Joe worked for years at the Hanford site. He died in 2002; he and Elsie were married 59 years.

She has no family in the area, so the visits and help from Berndt are welcome. The friendship too.

“It’s wonderful,” Bradley said.

To volunteer, call 509-948-2226 or 509-947-6573 or email kramey@ccyakima.org or jmartinez@ccyakima.org.

This story was originally published December 13, 2014 at 5:41 PM with the headline "Wish List: Chore service program seeks volunteers."