The following are some of the volunteer opportunities currently open in Freeborn County. If you can help with any of them or would like to volunteer for others, call Pat Stumme, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program director, at Senior Resources, 377-7433.

Respite caregivers: Family Caregivers Network needs people who can sit with care receivers in their home for a couple hours on various occasions so that the caregiver can get to appointments, do their shopping, etc. This is keeping people company and does not include health care. Call Nancy at Senior Resources 377-7433 and leave a message for a return call.

Bellringers: Plan now when you can help The Salvation Army raise funds ringing bells to provide gifts making Christmas a better time for area residents. It’s a two-hour shift at Nelson’s Market Place, Shopko, Walmart or indoors at Hy-Vee and the Northbridge Mall. Add your name to the schedule by calling 373-5710 at The Salvation Army.

Medical escort: Some frail or elderly people need company on trips to the doctor. Ride in the van with a resident from Thorne Crest Retirement Community to Mayo Clinic Health System in Albert Lea or meet the resident there and sit with that person in the waiting room. Make sure the resident gets on the van back to the nursing home after having seen the doctor. Marilynn Claussen is your contact at 377-2311.

RSVP, a program of Senior Resources of Freeborn County, receives some funding through the United Way of Freeborn County, the Minnesota Board on Aging and the Corporation for National and Community Service.