By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – Seniors helping seniors is a common practice where all benefit from the generosity and spirit of sharing. One of the most popular programs combining these resources is the Senior Mobile Market which engages the Marlborough Council on Aging with the United Way of Tri-County’s Marlborough Community Cupboard, according to Kathy Murphy, the new coordinator of volunteers at the Senior Center.
“We currently have a wonderful group of volunteers who are delivering food to those in need Thursday mornings,” she said. “Some deliver once a month, others two times a month and we are in urgent need of additional volunteer drivers on a regular or substitute basis.”
This is one of the many responsibilities assumed by Murphy in a position in which she is enjoying and eager “to provide socialization and companionship. I hope to help coordinate the efforts of the great volunteers at the senior center to benefit all the seniors in Marlborough,” she said.
“We have seen an increase recently of retired couples volunteering together. They volunteer one to two hours a week and really help others in need,” she said. “Volunteers at the front desk work two- to four-hour shifts, once or twice week and many participate in a Friendly Visitor Program where they visit a person in their home on a regular basis, usually weekly. People are also needed for the FISH program to drive people to medical appointments.”
“We are excited to have Kathy join our team at the Senior Center,” said Council on Aging Director Trish Pope. “She has jumped right into her role as volunteer coordinator. We are so fortunate for her enthusiasm and dedication.”
Murphy is a native of Marlborough and currently resides in the city with her husband and two daughters. She worked for the Marlborough Public Schools for 14 years, part of that time working with children with autism and at the high school coaching students with intellectual disabilities. She has also held volunteer positions within the city.
“I left the school system last year and was looking to be a volunteer myself,” she recalled. “I saw a posting on the city website for this position. I really loved working in volunteer positions and admire those that volunteer their time so I applied.”
Anyone interested in volunteering as a driver or in any other capacity call Murphy at 508-485-6492.
