Looking for Volunteers

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Thursday, 04 August 2022 12:12

One of the most difficult decisions we face comes when we have to consider leaving the home we have lived in for many years. When the elderly can no longer cook for themselves, they may be facing this decision; the need for good nutrition becomes critical. Meals on Wheels can provide a daily, healthy meal and help seniors stay in their in homes. Would you consider delivering meals to these seniors?

Meal on Wheels is a program created to alleviate hunger and improve nutrition among the 60-and-over population of our community. Once we prep and pack the meals safely, they must be delivered to all clients at a safe temperature, so timing of delivery is very important. Meals are delivered Monday through Friday by volunteers. We have four routes in Scottsboro with up to 12 clients on each route. The route takes about an hour. We will provide you with a route book of the clients’ names and directions to each home.

When you volunteer, you are making a commitment to share the most precious resource: “your time” to make a life better for those who are in need. To those homebound seniors you may be the only person they see for the day, and it makes an impact on their lives.

Why you should volunteer with Meals on Wheels
When you volunteer for Meals on Wheels, you deliver more than just a meal. You help support our senior community members’ abilities to live at home, where they want to be. You also help to ensure that no senior is left hungry or alone during these uncertain times.

Choosing to deliver meals to seniors is a great way to get out of the house. Often, volunteers enjoy delivering meals as much as clients love seeing those who deliver. While meal deliveries mean so much to seniors, they also offer many benefits to volunteers. Meals on Wheels volunteers reap the physical and mental benefits of giving back and being a part of the community.

As a nonprofit, Meals on Wheels relies on dedicated volunteers to serve those in need. Whether you want to deliver with your spouse or simply get out of the house for a small break from your daily routine, volunteering to deliver meals is a great option for those who want to lend a hand. If you have a church Sunday school class that would like to do this rewarding service, please give me a call.

How to get started
Signing up to volunteer with Meals on Wheels is easy! You do not have to make a long-term commitment and can volunteer as much or as little as you like.

Please do not hesitate to contact Meals on Wheels with any questions. We are happy to help and want to provide you with a meaningful volunteer experience. Together, we can make a difference.
You can sign up to deliver meals by calling Linda Larcom Nutrition Coordinator at 256.574.6733 | ext. 3, or stop by our Scottsboro Senior Center at 132 County Park Road in Scottsboro.

To find out more about our Nutrition Programs in Jackson County for seniors 60 and over read on.

We also offer hot meals throughout the county at our senior centers. There are six senior centers, and if you live near one of the following centers, and you are 60 years old or older, you are welcome come to the center.

Bridgeport Senior Center 256.495.3383 | Bryant Senior Center 256.579.2119 | Paint Rock Senior Center 256.776.9874 | Pisgah Senior Center 256.451.3303 | Scottsboro Senior Center 256.574.6623 | Stevenson Senior Center 256.437.3015.

The senior center not only provides a hot meal, but also companionship, activities, entertainment, bingo, games and a chance to volunteer. Due to the high prices of food, coming to the center for a hot meal can save you from having to pay so much at the grocery store.

Two of our centers, Pisgah and Paint Rock, are only serving picnic lunches, Frozen Breakfast Box and Shelf Stable meals. We are working on getting the participation built up to be able to serve hot meals again Monday through Friday. If you live in one of these areas, come join us.

If you have any questions about our Nutrition Programs please call, Linda Larcom | Nutrition Coordinator | Jackson County Council on Aging | 256.574.6733 | ext. 3.

 

by Martha Smith