Power of a Knock: Volunteering with Meals on Wheels
By Danielle Floyd
What is a volunteer? A person that donates their time to help others, but here at Senior Resources and Meals on Wheels, a volunteer is so much more than that. Volunteers are the heart of Meals on Wheels. Without their dedication, compassion, and commitment, it would be impossible to reach and assist the vast number of individuals who rely on this service.
When you walk up to the door of a client, you will truly experience the power of a knock. Serving over 700 seniors, the majority of them are living alone, homebound, and facing social isolation. Delivering with Meals on Wheels is more than dropping off lunch; it is a wellness check and an opportunity for these seniors to know they are not alone in the world. Volunteer, Judy Scott, says “I have devoted my entire adult life to serving others. First as a mother, nurse, and instructor, and now, after retiring, continuing my service to others as a driver for Meals on Wheels. I am grateful for the opportunity to see the clients’ smiles and hear their stories and expressions of sincere appreciation for the meals”. At 82 years young, she delivers 2-3 routes every single day. When volunteering with Meals on Wheels, you receive a unique opportunity to engage with and see the personal lives of the people you are serving. Long-term relationships are often built between volunteers and clients. The impact of Meals on Wheels reaches far beyond a daily meal.
Senior Resources is a non-profit organization that coordinates services, provides resources, and encourages the personal choices that allow Midlands’ area senior citizens to remain independent. Senior Resources is the only provider of Meals on Wheels in Richland County. With the help of around 250 volunteers each week, clients receive a nutritious hot lunch and wellness check Monday through Friday. There are three pick-up locations to choose from and routes are designed to be completed during your lunch break. For more information on volunteering, please visit our website, www.seniorresourcesinc.org/volunteer/. Come see what it means to deliver more than a meal.
