Joy Slagowski and Mary Chou-Thompson

The price of gas hasn't slowed down volunteers Yvonne Evans and Judy Gudeman from their work with Interfaith Community Care.
Evans, of Sun City, and Gudeman, of Sun City West, still cheerily drive clients to doctor's appointments and fill weekly shopping lists at grocery stores for those homebound.
"Because I'm retired, I'm not spending a lot of money going back and forth to work," Evans said. "If I have something to share, whether it be gas or time, I'm willing to do it. I get great satisfaction out of helping others."
Evans and Gudeman are more exceptions than the rule when it comes to volunteering during tough economic times.
With the economic downturn and rising fuel costs, most people are cutting back to make ends meet. The senior population is no exception and perhaps has been hit the hardest. Despite increasing requests for support services, the number of volunteers has not risen to match the need.
While summer months are usually slow for volunteer recruits, it has been especially challenging this year due to the slumping economy. People are budgeting carefully and "extras" like volunteer work are usually the first to go.
"Not only are there less volunteers over the summer because people leave town to escape the heat, we're having an even harder time this year because more and more volunteers just don't have time or can't afford to provide services like transportation and grocery shopping because of the rising fuel costs," said volunteer coordinator Julie Miller.
As a non-profit agency that provides more than 235,000 hours of service to more than 12,000 residents each year, Interfaith Community Care relies heavily on volunteers to accomplish its purpose of caring for the community. Despite averaging about 400 volunteers during most of the year, the number of volunteers drops by about half in the summer.
However, Interfaith's volunteer home services, including grocery shopping, transportation services, simple home repair and friendly visitors, are all vital for the well-being of anyone who is homebound and are sometimes the only means to which people get their needs met.
Gudeman, who was honored as Interfaith's volunteer of the year in 2007, said she feels volunteering is her calling.
"I knew when I came here that I wanted to get involved and just be used however the Lord would use me," she said. "I recommend it, there are so many areas where you can volunteer. They have all kinds of services, so there is something for nearly everyone to do."
According to AARP'S The State of 50+ America 2007, an annual "report card" examining the quality of life for those over the age of 50, transportation needs are increasing.
For the 50 or older population that is unable to drive, half of them frequently miss trips for shopping and social, religious and family activities that keep them engaged in the community. When mobility needs are not met, physical and social isolation are likely to contribute to impaired mental and physical well-being, the report said.
In addition to other recruiting efforts, Interfaith has started a unique two-week volunteer program with neighborhood churches and religious groups. Members of the congregations will go through orientation and training to work as home services volunteers.
"We're hoping that once people experience what it's like to volunteer for two weeks, they will want to come back for a longer commitment," said congregation liaison Sharon Forman.
With the Hellen and John M. Jacobs Independence Plaza under construction and preparing to open in mid-November, Interfaith has a special volunteer opportunity for a retired librarian or someone with extensive experience with books.
The volunteer will sort and value books to be sold in Birt's Bistro and Bookstore in the Independence Plaza. 
"We are always looking for volunteers in all areas, but we're especially in need right now," Miller said. "The time that volunteers donate is invaluable to us as an organization and is priceless to those we serve."
Interfaith is a non-denominational, nonprofit, community-supported human services agency. Those interested in becoming an volunteer either through the two-week commitment program or on a permanent basis, call Julie Miller at 623-815-1100.
Volunteers are needed in the following areas: Glendale, Peoria, Sun City, Sun City West, Surprise and Youngtown.