A community of care

Mar. 30—DERRY — It's all about community care.

That's the inspiration behind Community Caregivers of Greater Derry, which is continuing its longtime mission of supporting older adults and people with disabilities so they can remain independent in their homes.

The organization uses a strong volunteer network to assist clients with cleaning, shopping, transportation and other services and tasks.

And with Caregivers' well-used Loaner's Closet for Durable Medical Equipment program, clients can also get the help they need by borrowing medical equipment and other supplies.

The mission to lend and accept these valuable donations has led Caregivers to spark a new mission — to give thanks to all who support the Closet through donations.

And when people bring in donations, it often follows the loss of a loved one.

That's why Caregivers' Executive Director Cindee Tanuma said it's important to not only welcome a generous donation but to honor the families who offer the donations.

A "Giving Tree" is now on the wall in the Caregivers' entry way, where Loaner's Closet donors can write their names, or the names of loved ones on a leaf or flower to place on a large tree image.

"It's a way to give the donors closure and help them feel complete," Tanuma said. "Just about that exchange, it can be really cathartic to make something good come of that situation."

Tanuma said the Loaner's Closet has been a successful effort through the years, with thousands of pieces of equipment and other items donated and ready to loan out.

Community Caregivers turns 35 this year, getting its start in Derry in 1988, helping individuals maintain a sense of independence with a network of volunteers available to help with specific needs.

Working through the years out of several locations, the organization eventually claimed the space at 6 West Broadway in downtown Derry.

The larger space offered the nonprofit the opportunity to expand storage space for its Loaner's Closet that continues to grow and fill many needs for those needing a wheelchair, bath chair, shower support, canes or walkers.

Finding a spot to help fill Caregivers' needs was a perfect fit for Gail Wolfe, who began as a volunteer and is now officially on staff as the Loaner's Closet assistant.

Wolfe lives in Massachusetts but enjoyed a summer cottage in Derry. When she was hoping to find something to fill her day and her need to help others, that led her to volunteer with Caregivers.

Wolfe, also an occupational therapist, felt she was able to offer much to the organization. And she wasn't ready to officially retire.

"My area of love and passion has always been with seniors," Wolfe said, adding she enjoyed her volunteerism.

But when Caregivers posted a job opening to help with the Loaner's Closet and other areas, Wolfe knew she wanted to fill that spot.

"It's a perfect match," Wolfe said. "I love it. I did retirement twice. You have to find things to fill your day."

For Wolfe, having a job that brings her joy and also brings her to a space that offers so much care and support for others fills her desire to contribute to the community.

"Every day that I can help somebody is a good day," she said.

For Tanuma, having the Giving Tree in place to now give Loaner's Closet donors a way to honor loved ones often helps complete a family's process following a loss.

"And it lets them know we appreciate the donations," she said. "The program is growing and this gives the Loaner's Closet the credit it is due."

Community Caregivers also welcomes those interested in areas of volunteerism within the organization, whether it be driving, offering friendship, shopping or other tasks needed by clients.

To learn more, contact Caregivers at 603-432-0877. Find the Loaner's Closet at comcaregivers.org/loaners-closet/.