Become a Meals-on-Wheels Volunteer

Volunteers are the vital link in our services and add an immeasurable human value to the quality of what we do. We believe that those we serve deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and our volunteers are the living examples of that belief. More than 2,000 San Diegans a year donate their time to Meals-on-Wheels and many seniors tell us the best part about meal delivery is the friendly, caring volunteers. Meals-on-Wheels offers many opportunities for those who want to get involved with a nonprofit in their community and help seniors stay independent.

MEAL DELIVERY
Volunteers, using their own automobile, can choose a day(s) to deliver meals between Monday - Saturday, throughout San Diego County. Delivery time is typically 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. However their role is far more important than the meals they deliver:

* They are often the only contact our customers have all day.
* They provide a warm smile and a caring attitude.
* They are a safety check to help ensure our customer's well being.
* They are the eyes and ears of Meals-on-Wheels and often alert us to customers with additional needs.

Delivery volunteers are required to have a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, have completed a one-hour orientation, conducted weekly at our four Service Center offices, as well as pass a background check. Meals on Wheels does not accept volunteers wanting court appointed hours. Children and students can volunteer with an adult 18 years of age or older. Delivery volunteers may deliver as often as they like, but we ask for a minimum of two days per month. We are able to schedule most volunteers for service near their home or office.

For additional information on Meal Delivery or to become a Meal Delivery volunteer for Meals-on-Wheels, contact Marian Mann, e-mail.

SPEAKERS’ BUREAU
Help make presentations to groups in the community to reach-out to seniors in need and encourage volunteers to get involved with Meals-on-Wheels. Speakers’ Bureau representatives receive training and are equipped with materials and resources to help them be effective.

For additional information on the Speakers’ Bureau or to become a speaker for Meals-on-Wheels, contact Corinne Hardisty, Development Manager, e-mail.

FOOD SERVICE

Girl Scout Troop 8145 helped stuff lunch bags for seniors

Meal Center
Help package and prepare meals for delivery at our central meal center. For those who enjoy a kitchen environment, volunteers are needed between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., Monday through Saturday. For additional information, contact Jerry Kemp, Food Services Manager, e-mail.

WE CARE PACKAGES
If you are unable to donate your time, but still want to get involved, consider making We Care Packages at home! During the holidays and for every birthday, volunteers provide our seniors with a special goodie bag to say, “We Care.” We Care Packages can be brightly covered shoe boxes or decorated paper shopping bags filled with useful and fun food, toiletries and small personal items. Packages can include a personal note of well wishes from students and volunteers.

This is a great way for student groups, youth organizations and service clubs to get involved in volunteerism. For more information, please see our We Care Package guidelines or contact Suzanne Muldoon, Operations Manager, e-mail.

ADOPT-A-ROUTE
See Current List of Supporters

The Meals-on-Wheels Adopt-a-Route program is an easy, and effective way for company and organizations to get involved in their local communities! With as few as eight people, a group can Adopt-a-Route and deliver meals one day a week. By rotating delivery team, individual staff members would only deliver once a month, but the team would help seniors every week.

Quality organizations recognize the value of being involved in helping others in the community - it helps the individual, it helps the team, it helps the organization and it helps the community.

For additional information on how you can get establish an Adopt-A-Route, contact RuthAnne Michelson, e-mail.