Proceeds from gold event go to nonprofit group

Susan McArthur has gone from being a volunteer for When HELP Can't Wait to its executive director in a span of 2 1/2 years.

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She got involved with the nonprofit organization when she was introduced to Helen McVicker, its founder, current board president and chief financial officer.

McArthur, who had experience with foot and hand spas, offered to provide them for nursing home residents the organization serves.

"We set up my first spa at one of the nursing homes, and Helen came with me that day. Afterwards I felt a strong connection to the organization," she said. "I told Helen that I don't care if I'm 90 years old and in a wheelchair, I will never stop doing this. It just meant so much to go and do that."

On May 1, she took over the role previously held by McVicker.

When HELP Can't Wait provides several activities and comfort items for residents of nearly 20 area nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

One of the things she hopes to do is create a home type atmosphere for residents.

"It's such a bad feeling to go into some of the rooms and you see one person who has so much because their family brings them things and then see that the other person has nothing," she said. "I want to be able to walk into these rooms and see that everyone has what they need. They need to feel as if they are walking into their home because it is their home."

To help with the organization's programs and operations, the organization will have a Gold Party on Saturday at the organization's new office at 3833 Commercial Court in Martinez, across from the Martinez Post Office.

Participants can bring in yellow gold, white gold and platinum jewelry and receive money from a certified gold buyer based on the value of the precious metals, she said.

The event is a fundraiser.

"When HELP Can't Wait will get money per gram that is brought in, and we will get money from the company for every 15 people who come," she said. "The money won't be taken away from those who bring in gold; it will come directly from the company itself."

McArthur said she enjoys her new role.

"I know that this is where I'm supposed to be," she said. "I love what I'm doing and the people we serve. There's a need for this organization, and with both Helen and I working at this I know that we are going to do everything we can to fulfill those needs."

For information about When HELP Can't Wait, visit www.whenhelpcantwait.com or call (706) 729-8991.