My name is Lisa and I have been a volunteer for elderhelpers.org. I personally chose to donate and pay for my background check but the tips section of the site and the customer service makes it very clear: "donations are not mandatory to volunteer" despite what some of the reviews here mention. I got called up many times by elders and family members and I help out here and there when I like the people asking for help and when my schedule permits it. That site really makes it easy for people like me to help out elders without jumping through hoops and dealing with bureaucracy of more traditional often religious brick and mortar nonprofits that have huge administrative costs. Amazing concept and I wish them the best for the future.