Overlake Terrace will provide drinks and light refreshment for an informational Caring Hearts event in July to introduce the free services provided by the volunteers from Eastside Friends of Seniors.

The event will be from 5:30-7 p.m. July 16 at the retirement community, 2956 152nd Ave. NE in Redmond. The will not be a request for financial donations during the short presentation.

Eastside Friends of Seniors was founded in 1997 to enhance the lives of independent seniors living in Issaquah and on the Sammamish Plateau. The organization grew to offer its free services to seniors in the Snoqualmie Valley and expanded into Bellevue last year.

There is no cost to attend the event and no financial requirements to receive the free assistance from the non-profit organization. Volunteers from Eastside Friends provide rides to and from medical appointments, help seniors with shopping, housework and routine home maintenance.

“Our goal is to allow seniors to remain independent and live in their own homes for as long as they want to there,” said Tracy Fitzsimmons, board president. “After all, that’s where they really want to be in most cases.”

There are always more requests for assistance than available volunteers, according to Executive Director Claire Petersky. She emphasized the Caring Heart event is open to all potential volunteers, seniors and anybody in the community who wants to get involved.

A Second Annual Gathering for Seniors to support the work of Eastside Friends of Seniors has been scheduled for noon on Friday, Oct. 11 at the Bellevue Hilton. Information on the organization and both events is  available at eastsidefriendsofseniors.org or by calling 425-369.9120.