Volunteer
Make a Difference in Your Community
Join our team of dedicated volunteers supporting seniors across nine towns in the Lake Sunapee region
Volunteer Opportunities
Transportation
Help seniors get where they need to go.
Many seniors in our communities rely on volunteer drivers for transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, and social activities. As a transportation volunteer, you’ll provide door-to-door service in your own vehicle.
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What You’ll Do:
- Provide safe, reliable transportation to seniors 55+
- Drive to medical appointments, errands, and social events
- Offer friendly companionship during rides
- Help maintain seniors’ independence and community connections
Time Commitment
Flexible – drive when it fits your schedule.
Requirements
Valid driver’s license, insurance, and reliable vehicle.
Contact
Karen Lester at (603) 526-6368.
Front Desk
Be the welcoming face of COA.
Our front desk volunteers are often the first point of contact for community members seeking our services. This role involves answering phones, greeting visitors, and helping coordinate our transportation program.
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What You’ll Do:
- Answer phone calls and greet visitors warmly
- Take and schedule transportation requests
- Provide information about COA programs and services
- Assist with light administrative tasks
- Help create a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors
Time Commitment
3-hour shifts, Monday-Friday (9am-12pm or 12pm-3pm)
Requirements
Friendly demeanor, basic computer skills helpful but not required
Provided
Complete orientation and ongoing support
Program Leaders & Instructors
Share your passion and expertise.
Do you have a hobby, skill, or area of expertise you’d love to share? Our program volunteers lead classes, workshops, and activities that enrich the lives of community members.
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What You’ll Do
- Lead classes or workshops in your area of interest or expertise
- Develop curriculum for ongoing programs that engage and educate participants
- Facilitate discussion groups, book clubs, or support groups
- Organize special events, presentations, or seasonal celebrations
- Help seniors learn new skills, explore hobbies, and stay mentally and socially engaged
Popular Program Ideas
- Arts and crafts classes (painting, knitting, woodworking, pottery)
- Technology instruction (computers, smartphones, tablets, social media basics)
- Health and wellness programs (chair yoga, nutrition, meditation, walking groups)
- History and local culture presentations (town history, genealogy, storytelling)
- Music and entertainment programs (sing-alongs, instrument lessons, performances)
- Life skills workshops (cooking, financial planning, home safety, gardening)
Time Commitment
Varies by program – from one-time workshops to ongoing classes
Requirements
Enthusiasm for your subject area and patience in teaching others
Library Volunteers
Help maintain our lending library.
Assist with organizing books, processing new donations, and helping community members find great reads in our lending library.
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What You’ll Do
- Sort and organize donated books, audiobooks, and media materials
- Help visitors find books and check out materials from our lending library
- Process new donations and determine what items to accept based on our guidelines
- Maintain library displays, organization systems, and create welcoming reading spaces
- Assist with special library events, book discussions, and reading programs
Time Commitment
Flexible – a few hours weekly or monthly
Requirements
Love of books and organizing.
Special Events
Help make our events memorable.
From seasonal celebrations to educational workshops, our special events bring the community together and require many helping hands.
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What You’ll Do
- Help set up and break down events, ensuring everything runs smoothly
- Assist with registration, greeting attendees, and providing information
- Support activity leaders during programs and workshops
- Help with refreshments, hospitality, and creating a welcoming atmosphere
- Assist with event promotion, outreach, and follow-up activities
Time Commitment
Occasional, based on event schedule.
Requirements
Enthusiasm and willingness to help as needed.
Maintenance & Projects
Help keep our facility welcoming.
Support our facility maintenance and improvement projects to ensure COA remains a comfortable, safe space for everyone.
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What You’ll Do
- Light maintenance and repair projects to keep our facility safe and welcoming
- Seasonal decorating and facility updates to create an inviting atmosphere
- Garden and outdoor space maintenance to beautify our grounds
- Technology setup and support to help with equipment and digital needs
- Furniture arrangement and space organization for programs and events
Time Commitment
Project-based, flexible scheduling.
Requirements
Basic DIY skills helpful; specific project needs vary.
Why Volunteer?
The Impact You’ll Make
Join a Supportive Community
When you volunteer with COA, you become part of a close-knit team that supports each other and celebrates the work we do together.
We provide comprehensive training, ongoing support, and recognition for all our volunteers.
You’ll work alongside like-minded community members who share your commitment to helping neighbors, and you’ll find that volunteering often brings as much joy to you as it does to those you serve.
Direct Impact
Help neighbors in Andover, Danbury, Grantham, Newbury, New London, Springfield, Sunapee, Sutton and Wilmot maintain their independence and quality of life.
Meaningful Connections
Build lasting relationships with community members across generations while strengthening the fabric of our local communities.
Flexible Commitment
Volunteer on your schedule – we work around your availability whether you have an hour a week or a day a month.
Skill Development
Learn new skills while sharing your expertise with others, from technology training to program facilitation.
Personal Fulfillment
Experience the joy of making a real difference in someone’s day and knowing your efforts directly improve lives in your community
Ready to Volunteer?
Step 1: Reach Out
Contact our Volunteer Coordinator Karen Lester at (603) 526-6368 to discuss opportunities that match your interests and availability.
Step 2: Application & Interview
Complete a brief volunteer application and meet with our team to learn more about your chosen volunteer role.
Step 3: Orientation & Training
Attend an orientation session and receive any specific training needed for your volunteer position.
Step 4: Start Making a Difference
Begin volunteering and become part of the COA family!