Lake County Council on Aging's "Meals on Wheels" program has called for volunteers to step up and serve their community. They're currently seeking both drivers to deliver meals to senior residents and hands to assist in the kitchen. According to the City of Mentor's announcement, volunteers who can dedicate at least one day a week from Monday to Friday are greatly needed.
Specific timings are set for the volunteer work; kitchen helpers should be available to aid from 8 am for 3 to 4 hours during the mornings, while delivery drivers have a window between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm for their routes. Over the previous year, volunteers distributed over 199,000 meals throughout Lake County. Joe Tomsick, Chief Executive Officer of the Lake County Council on Aging, underscored the program's urgent needs, "The demand for Meals on Wheels service has been increasing each year resulting in this current critical need for volunteers," he explained in a statement obtained by the City of Mentor.
This service does more than provide sustenance; it's a connection to the community for the seniors. Being homebound can lead to social isolation, a serious issue for many elderly individuals. The Meals on Wheels program offers a daily meal and fosters an invaluable social exchange. It's a bright spot in the recipients' days where they can have a short, cheery conversation and be the focus of a quick wellness check.
Volunteering with Meals on Wheels can be a personal venture or a collaborative effort. It's open to individuals or pairs, friends, family members, or even local businesses, community groups, and church congregations to take on collectively. Ann Marie Armaro of the Council on Aging is the point of contact for anyone interested in making a difference. For further details, she can be reached at 440-205-8111, ext. 228, or via email at [email protected].
