Volunteer drivers aid Wantagh seniors

It began as a simple act of kindness — assisting elderly neighbors by providing transportation to and from medical appointments — that spawned an organization called Friends in Safe Hands, or FISH. This group is a non-sectarian network of concerned volunteers providing friendship and service to the elderly. FISH, of Wantagh, was founded in 1970 and in any given year provides about a thousand rides to elderly neighbors in Wantagh, North Bellmore and Bellmore. The organization is partially funded by the Nassau County Department of Aging.

“There are about 30 volunteers or drivers,” said FISH Director Claire Dekanek. “They are all insured; we pay mileage, the volunteers provide their time and good will.”

Rides are available Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and doctors’ appointments should be made between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. There is no charge for their service.

What to do if you need a ride

“Seniors may call our answering service — (516) 861-6032 — several days before a doctor’s appointment and provide us with all details. They leave their telephone number and we will call them back,” explained Dekanek.

Meanwhile Dekanek and other telephone volunteers call the drivers and make arrangements with the seniors the day before the appointment. “We have anywhere from one to eight appointments a day,” said Dekanek, cautioning that volunteers will not go further east than Amityville, further west than Rockville Centre, further north than Jericho Turnpike and further south than Oceanside.

Volunteers needed

Today most of the volunteers are other seniors who understand “how difficult it can be to get around,” said Dekanek.

“We would like to increase our services to Seaford but we would need more volunteers,” said Dekanek, who became a FISH volunteer in 2012 and director in April 2103. “When I was laid off, I realized I needed to volunteer, to do something valuable. I looked around and I found FISH. I’m from Wantagh and the organization is for Wantagh’s senior residents.

“I tell potential volunteers that I will take care of all the details and problems. Volunteer and have some fun. We appreciate whatever you can do and we’re happy to have you.”

If you are interested in volunteering go to www.wantagh.li/fish for more information.