Interfaith Caregivers of Polk County

Who We Are

     For over 30 years, Interfaith Caregivers of Polk County has been a steady presence of compassion in our community. What started as a small, neighbor-to-neighbor effort has grown into a countywide network of around 150 volunteers serving seniors and adults with disabilities. We connect seniors and adults with disabilities to volunteers and services that support independence and quality of life—at no cost. From rides to medical appointments and grocery delivery to friendly visits to caregiver respite, we help people stay safe, connected, and thriving in the homes they love.

Upcoming Fundraiser

     Interfaith Caregivers of Polk County is proud to participate in Give Big Valleys, an annual day of giving that helps local nonprofits like ours continue serving our community. This year’s Give Big date is Tuesday, April 28th, but donations are welcome throughout the entire month of April!

By giving during Give Big, you help us:

• Provide essential transportation to medical appointments and errands

• Deliver groceries, meals, and other necessities to homebound neighbors

• Offer companionship and support to reduce isolation

• Remove everyday barriers so seniors and adults with disabilities can thrive

     Mark your calendar for April 28th or donate any time in April! Every dollar truly matters, and every gift strengthens our community.

Learn About Bonnie + Tom's Story

  Dear friends,

     Independence and a good quality of life become more difficult to maintain as we get older. Tasks that used to be easy, like going to the grocery store, can be impossible without a car and reliable support. It is far too common for seniors and adults with disabilities, like Bonnie and Tom, to slip through the cracks. 

     Bonnie is a 74-year-old spirited lady who lives in an apartment with her dog, Peaches. Tom, her son, lives just a few doors down in the same complex. They visit each other often, and Tom even has a bed for Peaches in his apartment. They’ve lived in Centuria for years, and as time progressed, they’ve become more and more housebound. Tom is unable to drive, and Bonnie’s health prevents her from performing essential chores, like going to the food shelf.

     “I can’t go anywhere because of my cancer,” she explained. “My doctor doesn’t want me around a lot of people because of colds, the flu, or COVID, so I’m more or less stuck here.” On top of that, her illness makes it difficult to sit or stand for long periods of time, so even waiting in line at the food shelf isn’t possible. 

     Imagine you were in their shoes- unable to leave your home to get simple necessities like food. What would you do?

     “Interfaith was very willing to find someone to deliver food,” Bonnie shared. Through our services, they met Bob, a cheerful volunteer with a calm, steady presence. “He’s really, really nice,” Bonnie said with a smile. Tom agreed, saying, “Bob’s a great guy.” Bob does more than deliver essentials—he brings connection. Hearing his stories helps bring a piece of the outside world to Bonnie and Tom. “He likes sharing things. He likes to bike and stuff, so it’s like I live through him, so it’s really kind of nice.” Bonnie said. It doesn’t hurt that Peaches the dog approves, too. “She really loves Bob,” Bonnie told us. “And he likes her, too. Although he says his cat is bigger…”

     For almost a decade, Bob has been delivering food shelf boxes to Tom and Bonnie, cultivating a friendship. “I wouldn’t know what to do without him. I’d really be lost,” Bonnie said. 

     All of our services are offered at no cost because we believe independence should not come with a price tag.

     In 2025, Interfaith Caregivers of Polk County had 154 volunteers, and every one of them is kind and compassionate—just like Bob. We provided 4,468 rides last year. That works out to 97,563 miles driven and 2,040 hours spent! Our volunteers’ dedication makes essential services possible, from food shelf delivery and transportation to medical appointments to friendly visits that ease isolation. With their help, Interfaith Caregivers has upheld the rural tradition of neighbors helping neighbors for more than 30 years.

     The Give Big fundraiser is YOUR opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of your neighbors. Your gift helps ensure access to vital services remains available for people like Bonnie and Tom.

     Right now, neighbors across Polk County are counting on Interfaith Caregivers to be there for them. Your donation helps close the gap between need and help, ensuring no one is left isolated or without essentials simply because they can’t drive or leave their home. 

     Will you lend a hand to a neighbor in need?

Sincerely, 

     Interfaith Caregivers of Polk County