LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The holidays can be a lonely time. For many senior citizens, isolation is a problem year-round.
Without family nearby or the ability to drive, basic necessities become hard to come by.
That's where Helping Hands of Vegas Valley comes in.
"We have a lot of clients who either live alone, don't have family nearby, or can't get out to do the things they need to do so just being able to go out once or twice a month is very beneficial," said Carolyn Pelletier, Transportation Manager at Helping Hands of Vegas Valley.
"We have small staff, we are 26 strong. With 26, we serve the entire Clark County. Every senior that needs us, we try to take care of. If we didn't have volunteers there's no way we could get it done," said Brenda Jepson, Community Engagement Director for Helping Hands.
The team of 26 and a group of volunteers ensures thousands of senior citizens get the medical care, food, and help they need. Drivers take them to doctors appointments, shopping trips, or deliver food. Seniors can visit a food pantry to browse a digital menu for food that best fits their needs.
"Some can't have gluten, some can't have salt, so it makes it easier that they can choose what they need as opposed to a bunch of cans of food you can't use, can't eat... and then it's a waste," Jepson added.
If a senior needs a minor home repair, Helping Hands is on that too. All of the services Helping Hands of Vegas Valley provides is free of charge- thanks to grants, community partners, and the dedication of the staff and volunteers.
The Golden Knights Foundation is gifting the Helping Hands of Vegas Valley six touch screen laptops for their Digimart program so that the senior citizen community can continue getting their nutritional needs. Staff members at Helping Hands received a Golden Ticket to a special event held in their honor where they'll receive the gift!
13 Days and Knights of Giving is sponsored by Golden Knights Foundation, Subaru of Las Vegas and America First Credit Union.
