Macomb County is reaching out to its residents with a plea for more support of the Meals on Wheels program, which is experiencing an urgent shortage of volunteers. The program, essential for feeding and providing human interaction to 1,700 seniors, requires 66 drivers to spread warmth and wellness across 84 routes. "The volunteers who deliver these vital meals make a world of difference to the seniors who rely on that daily visit for both nourishment and human connection," Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel stated, per the Macomb County news release. "A hot meal and a friendly face can truly change someone’s day for the better."
Any willing individuals with a bit of spare time are urged to step forward to help sustain the Meals on Wheels program. Currently, the program runs on the energy and commitment of approximately 700 volunteers. Now, those volunteers are part of a community effort praised for its positive impact on the lives of the county's older adults.
Beyond the apparent community benefits, volunteering is also a boon for those who give their time. Proper studies highlight volunteering as a means to uplift others and a conduit for increased self-confidence and physical health benefits. The Journal of the American Geriatrics Society recently indicated that older adults who volunteer are 43% less likely to suffer from depression, reinforcing the personal benefits of volunteering, as relayed by a Western Connecticut State University study.
Residents who are interested in answering the call for volunteers can get more information or express their interest in joining the fleet of drivers who bring more than just meals but also friendship and care to seniors by visiting the Macomb County website or sending an email to [email protected] for more details on how to get involved.
