Reaching out in retirement

Andrew Gemmell has been a volunteer at the Seniors’ Outreach

Center for less than a year, but already he is making a major

difference in many people’s lives.

Gemmell, a Huntington Beach resident for 21 years, retired a year

ago and saw that the center was looking for volunteers. Despite a

nearly daily commute by the center for years, he had never noticed it

before.

The outreach center caters to senior residents of Huntington Beach

who can’t get out easily and don’t have many resources.

“The objective is to assist them so that they can live in their

own home and not be prematurely placed in a boarding-care facility,”

said Diane Swarts, volunteer services coordinator.

Gemmell is a volunteer for the center’s Meals-to-the-Home program,

as well as its Transportation Program.

“It’s an interesting program with six weeks of training for about

two hours every week on Council on Aging and understanding the trials

and tribulations of getting older,” Gemmell said. “I was looking to

help meals on wheels and volunteered immediately. After a couple of

weeks, I then started with the Transportation Program as well.”

The meals program delivers 150 meals from 10 a.m. to noon each

weekday to seniors in need in the community. Each delivery consists

of breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The routes are divided into territories so seniors can count on

the same people consistently.

When the volunteers deliver meals, they use their own vehicle and

pay for fuel as well. Gemmell said he usually delivers 12 to 15 meals

on his route.

As transportation volunteer, he gets folks to their doctor

appointments, therapy, chemotherapy and the like, providing

transportation to and from the appointment using a city vehicle.

“The rewarding experience is based on the fact that you can help,”

he said. “It’s a very rewarding program, especially for those who

can’t leave the house or are housebound. They are very much

appreciative. Most seniors couldn’t live without it.”

The rewards for the volunteers come from making a difference.

Gemmell said it takes him longer than ever to deliver meals now.

“Now that they are accustomed to me, they share with me their

gratitude,” he said. For more information about the Seniors’ Outreach

Center volunteer opportunities, call (714) 374-1544. It’s at 1718

Orange Ave..

Story by Suzie Harrison and photo by Crystal Lauderdale