MCH seeks Meals on Wheels drivers

Be a friend, deliver a meal

Tue, 12/16/2014 - 1:45pm

ROCKLAND — If you've never given yourself the gift of delivering a hot meal to a person in need in the local community, Meals on Wheels needs you.

Since 1969, Methodist Conference Home has been delivering Meals on Wheels throughout Knox County. In just one day, the organization provides 600 rides and 150 hot meals, as well as housing and aging services to 160 older adults and disabled individuals.

Last winter, following a snow storm, the call went out for drivers to deliver Meals on Wheels and the community responded, covering all the routes that day In Knox County. As one Meals on Wheels recipient said that day, "I can't believe you came out in this weather, but I'm glad you!"

Meals on Wheels is currently looking for people interested in being volunteer drivers, year-round. They need volunteers who can commit to delivering meals one morning a week, or to be on call when a regular driver can't do it.

This can be an opportunity for businesses and  organizations to give back to the community, if they have employees willing to take turns and share the work. It can also be a learning opportunity for families, and a chance to drive around the Midcoast and share quality time with loved ones. And no matter your age or personal circumstance, you might just find yourself spending an extra few minutes at each stop, chatting with the people on your route.

The service that Meals on Wheels provides helps seniors in the community maintain their independence and remain in their homes by making sure they get a delivered, nutritious, home-cooked meal delivered to their door. It is also an opportunity to make a new friend, check in on people who often are otherwise housebound, and serve the community one-on-one.

Go ahead, try it for a day or two, it's an easy job and personally rewarding. And the smiles of the people receiving the food will melt your heart.

For more information and to volunteer, call Methodist Conference Home Food Service Director Lois Stackpole Alley at 594-2740.