Seeking Mr. and Mrs. Fix-It for volunteer repair program

I remember getting a powder-blue “Do It Herself” toolkit for Christmas one year. It had everything necessary for my very minor tasks, such as a hammer, pliers, wrench, assorted screwdrivers, a box cutter and matching scissors, all in a sleek carrying case. It was my favorite gift, and I spent the better part of that day running around my apartment tightening any and all, real or perceived, loose screws. I still have the kit and use it often.

But even for someone as handy as I like to think I am, there are projects that need more expertise. For seniors, finding the right person to do them can be a daunting task.

“We’ve had requests from some seniors who need minor home repair, and we have no place to refer them for small projects,” said Roberta Macko, director of volunteer services at Eastern Agency on Aging. “Some seniors aren’t physically able to do these chores. They need help with things like a leaky faucet, broken screen door or rotting front steps. In order to serve this population, we have revised our program called Eaa-Z Fix It, which is a minor home repair program.”

Sometimes the repairs are a matter of safety in the home, added Macko. This program follows EAA’s mission of keeping people independent and in their own homes as long as possible.

Eaa-Z Fix It is currently searching for volunteers who are willing to do minor home repair work for seniors.

“We are looking for people who are handy around the house, someone who likes to putter, and has maybe replaced a screen door or two in the past, that kind of thing. Someone who is good with a hammer, and has that Yankee ingenuity, do-it-yourself kind of attitude, and would like to help seniors in need. And someone who can tinker on projects with a good degree of success,” said Macko. “We also will have a database of reputable contractors for projects larger than what our volunteers can handle.”

Often the seniors are willing to pay for the service but are just not sure who to contact or trust, she added. Arrangements may be made for those unable to pay a fee but still need the work done. And Eaa-Z Fix It may help keep seniors from being scammed by unscrupulous contractors, because references will be checked before making referrals.

Rolf Staples, the new Eaa-Z Fix It program coordinator, self-identified “Jack of all trades, master of some” and cat lover – he owns four – couldn’t be happier with his new endeavor.

“This is a great opportunity, being a senior myself, because I have always been interested in home repair, especially for the older folks, who can be a very vulnerable population,” said Staples. “Some seniors have lost their savings to scammers and that is not only tragic, but unnecessary.”

The goal of Eaa-Z Fix It is to match reliable volunteers to the right project for their skill level. And there are many jobs from which to choose.

Here is a brief sampling of things seniors can call us about:

. Carpentry: repairing broken furniture, fixing a broken window, installing safety railings and wheelchair ramps, hanging window treatments.

. Electrical: repairing small appliances and connecting VCRs.

. Plumbing: repairing sink stoppers, and replacing toilet tanks.

. Routine maintenance: yard cleanup, window washing, cleaning gutters, removing or installing storm windows and doing small paint jobs.

“Many seniors take pride in their homes, which are a source of comfort and pleasure,” said Macko. “We want to help them keep their homes maintained so they can continue to enjoy them.”

That’s music to Staples’ ears.

To obtain information or to volunteer, call Staples at 941-2865.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at EAA. For information on EAA, call 941-2865 or log on www.eaaa.org.