Volunteer 911: Officers assist CareGivers Inc. with grocery, gift deliveries

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Manchester Police Officer Kelly McKenney carries bags of canned goods ready for delivery to a CareGivers client.
Manchester Police Officer Kelly McKenney carries bags of canned goods ready for delivery to a CareGivers client.

MANCHESTER, NH — When the call went out to local police departments in Manchester and Nashua that there was a simultaneous situation brewing in the state’s two largest cities, there was no shortage of manpower ready to deploy.

Officer Brian Karoul carries an armload of goodies to his cruiser, ready for delivery.
Officer Brian Karoul carries an armload of goodies and gifts to his cruiser, ready for delivery.

Officers Patrick Mullen and Justin Maguire were among more than 15 officers who raised their hands and popped their cruiser trunks, to make room for bags of food and Christmas gifts. Together, the joint task force of officers volunteered to spend a chunk of their Thursday delivering bags of sustenance to local elderly, disabled and housebound residents who receive the gift of supplemental human kindness through The CareGivers Inc. Caring Cupboard, the organization’s newest program that focuses on easing the hunger and nutrition issues many elderly face.

Nashua Police Capt. Jay Maloney, left, and Officer Brandon Cali, go over the goods before heading out for deliveries in Nashua.
Nashua Police Capt. Jay Maloney, left, and Officer Brandon Cali, go over the goods before heading out for deliveries in Nashua.

On Thursday, “the situation” was that the organization had a need, and reached out to Manchester and Nashua Police departments for an assist, said Manchester Lt. Brian O’Keefe.

“They knew they didn’t have anybody for deliveries tonight in Manchester and Nashua, and so they reached out to our chief and Nashua’s chief, and we coordinated our efforts,” said O’Keefe.

Officer Patrick Mullen, left, and Officer Justin Maguire load the trunk of their cruiser.
Officer Patrick Mullen, left, and Officer Justin Maguire load the trunk of their cruiser.

At about 3:30 p.m. police cruisers from Manchester and Nashua arrived at the industrial park, and officers joined inside the office to watch a short informational film that included some basic training, including what to expect on a typical food delivery, and what to do if clients don’t answer the door.

Then they hit the warehouse to retrieve their designated bags, working around the civilian volunteers, who were also there to load up their cars and trucks with non-perishables.

All CareGivers Inc. services are free for anyone who qualifies due to age, infirmity, or lack of mobility. There is a client application available on the CareGivers website.

Volunteers are always needed, and can be anyone who has a little time to spare, and who understands the importance of caring for those in need.  This time of year especially, it’s helpful to have someone to make regular visits or phone calls to the elderly, or those who have trouble getting around. CareGivers also provide scheduled rides for doctor appointments and shopping trips. Click here for the online volunteer application.


Contact information:

The CareGivers, Inc., 19 Harvey Road, Bedford, NH  603-622-4948
or at the Nashua satellite office, 491 Amherst St., Nashua, NH, 603-595-4502, or email Will Duyrea, Caring Cupboard Program Coordinator
will@caregiversnh.org

About this Author

Carol Robidoux

PublisherManchester Ink Link

Longtime NH journalist and publisher of ManchesterInkLink.com. Loves R&B, German beer, and the Queen City!