Ministries of Mercy - Visitation at 6363 9th Avenue North, Saint Petersburg, FL 33710 US - Ministries Serve the Elderly, Sick, and Homebound (Page 2)

Betty Goldie, left, drives Aida Donato, right, to the doctor’s office. She is a volunteer for the Samaritans Ministry of Holy Family Catholic Church which helps individuals unable to run errands.

Published May 19, 2010
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Betty Goldie, parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church, makes sure the cushion she added to the passenger seat of her car is in place before she leaves her driveway. She is on her way to pick up Aida Donato to drive her to the eye doctor for a follow up visit after having had cataract surgery. “The cushion helps Aida get in and out of the car more easily,” Betty says.

The Samaritans Ministry, which Betty volunteers for, serves the needs of individuals unable to run errands each week. The volunteers take people shopping for necessities like groceries or prescriptions and drive them to doctor and dentist offices. “Driving comes natural to me, I got my drivers license when I was sixteen and carpooled four children,” Betty says.

As she enters the car, Aida thanks Betty for driving her and says she is thankful that Holy Family can provide her with caring volunteers like her. “Betty has been there for me since day one after my stroke,” she says. Without her, I would not be able to get to the doctor.”

Outside the doctor’s office, while waiting on Aida, Betty explains that she is a regular on her route since she cannot drive herself long distances. She also says she gets personal gratification from helping individuals like Aida because it’s what God called her to do.

To read about other visitation ministries, the Ministries of Mercy, and to find a ministry near you in need of donations and volunteers click here.