Delivering Meals On Wheels Blesses Everybody: Give it A Try

I had a chance to visit the Council on Aging’s dining site in New Smyrna Beach recently where volunteers prepare and pack hot meals to deliver to hungry seniors.

Robert Reynolds and Sheriff Chitwood visiting with meal recipient.

Each time I participate in delivering meals, I’m reminded of how important this service is to people in our community who need it most. Not just the nutritious food they receive.
The recipients of Meals on Wheels also have social interaction with the volunteers who visit and get to know them over time. In fact, these visitors could be the only people laying eyes on meal receivers who may be among our most fragile residents.
On my recent visit, I had the pleasure of driving Robert Reynolds, one of the regular volunteers, to deliver three meals in New Smyrna Beach. He told me he has been volunteering for eight or nine years and his regular visits help him get to know folks. In fact, one recipient on his route is turning 100 this summer.
Meals on Wheels are prepared Monday through Friday at six Council on Aging dining sites throughout Volusia County. At least 200 to 300 meals are delivered each day countywide on Monday-Thursday. On Fridays, that number rises to as many as 500 meals delivered, which includes two meals for the weekend.
Have you ever thought of volunteering to deliver Meals on Wheels? The dining sites always need kind, caring people to help pack meals, load them up in your vehicle, and drive to deliver the meals to people throughout Volusia County.

For those who have the time, this is a great way to make a difference to people in need who may live near our own neighborhoods. You can set a shining, lifelong example to teach your kids or teenagers to care about others.
Doreen Willett, the Council on Aging’s Community Engagement Liaison, told me our county probably has many more people in need of Meals on Wheels but they don’t receive them. Maybe pride gets in the way, or people don’t know how to sign up for meals.
To learn more about the services offered or how to volunteer, call the Council on Aging: 386.253.4700, ext. 225 or go online to www.coavolusia.org

Life is easier
when we help each other,
Sheriff Mike Chitwood