SCAN Volunteers with the Rutherford Co. Sheriff's Office Help Elderly with Home Security Checks

Aug 16, 2013 at 01:15 am by bryan


Older residents who need help with minor home repairs may benefit from a donation from Mt. Moriah Lodge to the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Senior Citizens Awareness Network.

John Barbee of Mt. Moriah No. 18 Masonic Lodge presented an $895 check to Sheriff Robert Arnold to use for the SCAN members. The donation came from a pancake breakfast last month at the lodge.

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SCAN is operated on donations by uniformed Sheriff’s Office volunteers who visit seniors age 55 and older to provide safety and security services. SCAN volunteers will conduct safety checks of homes perform services such as installing smoke detectors, changing light bulbs, registering for Meals on Wheels and linking the senior citizen to community services.   

“It’s helping people who really need it,” Barbee said. “Most are people who can’t afford to do repairs to their home and deserve help. If we can contribute, these are the things we like to do. I’m really glad that Sheriff Arnold started this program.”

Sheriff Arnold thanked the Lodge for the contribution.

“Our SCAN volunteers will use these funds to provide services for senior citizens,” Sheriff Arnold said. “We appreciate the partnership with the Lodge so we can make homes safer for our cherished senior citizens.”

The Sheriff’s Office also appreciates the many merchants in the county who support the SCAN program regularly through donations of supplies, Sheriff Arnold said.

SCAN coordinator Gerald Brawner said the funds will be used to purchase materials for home safety, medicines and other needs of senior citizens.

Coordinator Peggy Earheart said the seven SCAN volunteers serve 37 members. Other services include visiting at homes or in the hospitals, sending cards, reviewing Social Security claims and simply making regular telephone calls to seniors who may live alone.

SCAN volunteers found many of the members paid their way by working, but now have very little income.

“They hate to ask for anything, even advice,” Earheart said. “SCAN makes a world of difference to people.”

To register a senior, volunteer for SCAN or donate, call the SCAN office at 904-3139 and leave a message.

Source:

Lisa Marchesoni

Public information officer

Rutherford County Sheriff's Office

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