Humorous Jerry Little Is Volunteer Of Year For Salem Caregivers

SALEM, NH — Jerry Little spends a lot of time in waiting rooms. For the past two decades, he has volunteered to drive people to the doctor if they cannot drive themselves. And this often means waiting in lobbies for appointments to finish — whether it be for surgery, chemotherapy, the dentist, or anything else.

As Little received his 2019 Volunteer Of The Year Award from the Greater Salem Caregivers last week, he joked that many people assume that his time in waiting rooms is spent reading the many educational magazines — the National Geographic, perhaps. But Little set the record straight — he would much rather read up on the Kardashians.

"I pick up some trashy magazine and find out what gossip is going on," said Little, laughing. He added he has no problem at all waiting in the lobbies, and he enjoys spending time with the people he drives.

Little's sense of humor was at the forefront during Thursday's award luncheon. Those in attendance — fellow volunteers, family members, clients and friends — gave him a standing ovation.

"Those who know him say that he has brought kindness, patience, thoughtfulness to thousands of people he has helped over the years," said Caregivers' Executive Director Dick O'Shaughnessy, who presented the award. "He enjoys driving the clients, and they enjoy him."

Little, a Canada native, was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War after he immigrated to the U.S. After being discharged, he used the GI Bill to earn a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Maine, said O'Shaughnessy. Then, for 32 years, he worked for Wesson Electrical. In 2000 he began volunteering for the Caregivers, where currently serves on the board of directors.

"I'll continue to do it as long as I can," said Little at the award luncheon, broadcast by Salem Community Television.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the nonprofit Caregivers, which began in 1989 with a committee that wanted to help their neighbors with important rides. At the time, those who couldn't drive looked for help in the local churches — and that is where most of the original committee members have come from, said O'Shaughnessy.

"Without the kind of volunteers like Jerry, many elderly and disabled adults in Salem and Pelham would have major problems and difficulties in their lives and transportation," he said.

Last year, Caregivers' volunteers performed "2,790 acts of kindness" — driving a combined 52,000 miles to get clients to their necessary appointments, be it physical therapy, dialysis, chemotherapy, life-or-death operations, or just to go shopping, said O'Shaughnessy. Most clients are elderly, and some have a physical disability. He said volunteers drive as far away as Londonderry, Nashua, or Massachusetts communities of Andover or Haverhill — wherever the services are needed.

Little, a resident of Salem, said he enjoys making the drives, and he is typically good at finding things to talk about. O'Shaughnessy said Caregivers' volunteers bring attentiveness and a happy smile, often picking up clients from home and supporting them during sometimes difficult or emotional times.

"The people who are served are grateful, and they let you know it," said O'Shaughnessy.

Those in need of rides or wishing to volunteer for the Caregivers can call 603-898-2850 or email salemcaregivers@gmail.com. For more information and a full list of services visit salemcare.org.