BELFAST — A group of three dozen volunteers have formed the Ring of Caring program in Belfast, through a partnership with the City of Belfast, to assist seniors stuck during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The volunteers are licensed and trained individuals from the Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County organization, which provides end of life and bereavement support to Waldo County residents. 

During the ongoing pandemic, Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County members are reaching out to seniors who sign up for the Ring of Caring program via phone calls to touch base with participating seniors. In its collaboration with the City of Belfast, those wishing to sign up do so via the city’s General Assistance Administrator, Jodie Stout. 

Last week, the volunteers placed calls to 25 seniors around the Belfast area to chat with them about how they are doing during the pandemic, and seeing if they need any updates, information, resources, or clarification on the rapidly changing COVID-19 pandemic. 

The volunteers are also able to provide shopping for essential items and pick-up medications for seniors signed up through the program. 

As the volunteers are trained and well-versed in listening, the conversations are designed to not only brighten a senior’s day, but also to notice any concerns that may need more thorough investigating, according to Hospice Volunteers Director Flic Shooter. 

Thanks to the longstanding relationships and connections the Hospice Volunteers organization has cultivated over the years, its volunteers are also able to help seniors coordinate medical visits during the pandemic. 

Through its partnership with the City of Belfast, the Ring of Caring volunteers are able to help seniors navigate the process of using food stamps through the city’s Office of General Assistance. 

Those interested in signing up to receive benefits of the Ring of Caring program can contact Jodie Stout at 338-3370 ext. 120 or generalassistance@cityofbelfast.org. 

Those interested in volunteering with the Ring of Caring program and the Hospice Volunteers of Waldo County can contact Shooter at 505-4434 or hvowc1@gmail.com. 

Reach George Harvey at: sports@penbaypilot.com.