NAM has returned to delivering daily meals - the first time in two years since the start of the pandemic. When NAM first began ramping up to resume daily deliveries, the first concern was and still is, recruitment of volunteers. Volunteers are needed Monday - Saturday mornings to deliver the hundreds of meals across dozens of routes .
Volunteers do not only deliver hot meals - but provide a sense of human connection and a smile for the homebound seniors and adults who are Meals on Wheels clients. For many who live alone, and without family who live close by, receiving the delivery from Meals on Wheels is the only in-person interaction they will have that day.
Thankfully, dozens of individuals answered the call for volunteers, with many of those delivering meals this month volunteering at NAM for the first time.
“I have been volunteering for 2 and a half months,” said John, who started volunteering at NAM this year. “I started out delivering on 6 clients now I deliver to 12 clients each day that I volunteer. I really enjoy meeting the people, and talking with them - and I know they appreciate the conversation also!”
NAM currently has between 10-12 volunteers driving their cars to deliver meals each day - something that we are incredibly grateful for during this time of increased gas prices worldwide. Each volunteer delivers anywhere from 6 - 20 meals.
To reach all in NAM’s service area, there are 3 NAM Meals on Wheels offices, including NAM’s Main Building. The delivery area around NAM’s main building is the largest, with volunteers delivering around 600 meals daily. In total, NAM is responsible for providing nearly 900 meals a day to homebound adults and seniors.
NAM is blessed to have the support of many individuals like John, in addition to volunteer groups.
NAM is always in need of additional helping hands to join these dedicated volunteers. Whether you can deliver once a month, every day, or once a week - any time you can give will help us continue to serve our neighbors.
www.namonline.org/volunteer
