Every day, local volunteers hit the road to deliver hot, nutritious meals to seniors and individuals with disabilities for the Meals on Wheels program, but the demand for these life-sustaining deliveries is outpacing the number of drivers available.
With Meals on Wheels programs struggling to find enough drivers, the need for compassionate individuals to step up has never been greater.
The program, which serves approximately 38 local folks in need of meals, is looking for drivers. Terri Crespo, Meals on Wheels board member, said the commitment is minimal.
A driver only needs to be available once every three weeks for about one hour, sometimes an hour and a half. She said the drivers take the same route each time.
Going strong after 50 years, the program is as successful as ever. Crespo said other than needing drivers, the rest of the operation is in full swing.
The program now features Chrystal Simpson as the master cook. Simpson makes delicious meals from Chicken enchiladas, to apple crisp, to various salads including carrot salad and broccoli salad, and soups like chili, to pasta and meatballs, to au gratin potatoes, and more.
“A lot of people that love the meals,” Crespo said. “People like what she’s cooking. She’s always changing the menu so that the clients get new items.”
Without volunteers, though, the warm delicious meals won’t make it to the doors of the residents who desperately need them.
Crespo has been a Meals on Wheels volunteer for more than 25 years. She is joined on a board with Gina McKenna, Sharon McClintick, Rita Foley (treasurer), Ginny Breast (in charge of drivers), Carrie Bieselt (banking), Marie Palloni (bookkeeping). The program has more than 70 to 80 volunteers.
Meals on Wheels operates Monday-Friday weekly. Recipients receive a hot meal and a cold bagged lunch.
Food is prepared daily at the Calvin Presbyterian Church.
For more information on the program, contact Crespo 724-496-8680.
I would love to volunteer my service whether delivering or cooking