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LIKE ITS SISTER MEALS ON WHEELS groups, True Davidson Meals on Wheels is wholly dependent on the service of men and women who volunteer their time virtually for free. Without them, the program would not exist.
In 2008, volunteers contributed more than 6,500 hours to our agency, with 30,363 meals delivered to 298 clients by our dedicated team of 65 volunteers.
The essential job of volunteers is to deliver food to fellow citizens who, for reason of age or infirmity, cannot make all their own meals yet who wish to live independently. To this end, we look for special, caring people with patience, commitment and willingness to give us two hours a week of their time.
The basic delivery team consists of a driver, who uses his or her own vehicle, and an accompanying colleague who delivers the food right to the client's door. Meals on Wheels refer to the latter volunteers as "runners" (although no running is required). Both drivers and runners are needed on a weekly, bi-weekly (twice a month), monthly or on-call basis. A small allowance for gasoline is given to drivers.Occasionally, we also need help in our office to answer the phone, complete intake forms with clients, fill in requests for frozen meals and handle other small assignments.
People interested in the work can also participate by becoming a volunteer member of the board. The board consists of 12 Directors, representing equally the community and the volunteer contingent. In 2008, Directors contributed more than 500 hours to the work.
Volunteers are recognized annually at a special lunch in April.
