Meals on Wheels needs volunteers
List of residents needed services is growing
Macomb County Meals on Wheels in urgent need of volunteers ahead of holiday season and is putting a call out for people with the ability to help make deliveries.
The Macomb County Office of Senior Services said the need for more volunteers is due to a growing waitlist of individuals needing delivery throughout the county.
“We currently have a waiting list for seniors who need meals, especially for those who live in the north end of the county,” said Director Sheila Cote. “We are asking for our community to help support our seniors by delivering meals.”
Locations in which volunteers are most needed include Richmond, Lenox, Memphis, Ray Township, Armada and New Haven. Other communities that need volunteers include Clinton Township, Harrison Township, Warren and Sterling Heights.
“I can’t think of a better way to give back during the holiday season,” said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. “Volunteering with Meals on Wheels is an incredible way to get involved and make a difference in the lives of seniors in need.”
Currently, the Office of Senior Services oversees 84 routes for the Meals on Wheels program, and each of those routes needs to be filled by a volunteer every day. This requires hundreds of volunteers to ensure all 1,700 seniors served by the program receive their meal.
Individuals interested in helping can apply today through the Office of Senior Services at www.macombgov.org/departments/ senior-services/volunteer. Duties will include: completing a new volunteer orientation and delivering meals two times per month along routes that take approximately 60 minutes to complete. .
Routes are driven Monday through Friday at lunchtime (generally delivered between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.) and can be located close to a volunteer’s home or work. Holiday meals are delivered on Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas while emergency preparedness packs are delivered twice a year on Saturdays.
Volunteers must also pass a background check, have their own vehicle, a valid driver’s license and carry automobile insurance. Mileage reimbursement is offered.
Individuals with questions can email volunteeer@macombgov.org.
To learn more about the Macomb County Office of Senior Services, visit www. macombgov.org/departments/senior-services.