Date: January 29, 2007

Delaware County Senior Nutrition Program Holds Open House - Seeks Volunteers

The Delaware County Senior Nutrition Program is in urgent need of volunteers to deliver hot meals to older adults in the county.  To fill the need, the Council for Older Adults will sponsor an open house for potential volunteers on Thursday, Feb. 8 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 818 Bowtown Road in Delaware. 

“We are experiencing a critical need for volunteers, in part because many drivers are off due to illness,” said Linda Lowe, program manager for the council’s senior nutrition program.  “Additionally, many drivers spend the cold months in warmer climates and the need to replace them is crucial.” There are 8 routes which need to be filled by volunteer drivers and assistants. Assistants help with deliveries and take the meal into the home.  

The Senior Nutrition Program, in partnership with Grady Memorial Hospital/OhioHealth, provides hot meals daily to older adults in their homes and at three dining centers.  The program has grown by 27 percent since 2001 and serves about 13,000 meals per month. As demand increases, more routes are added and more volunteers are needed.   

Meals are delivered on 25 routes by about 180 volunteers. Staff and volunteers will be on hand at the Open House to share their experiences with those interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities at the Council for Older Adults.  The public is invited, and refreshments will be served.

Typically, volunteers work two to three hours one day a week or more and are assigned the same delivery route on the same day of each week. Long and short-term volunteer opportunities are available. Volunteers receive training, mileage reimbursement and a free hot meal on the day they work.

“Volunteers really enjoy the camaraderie with other volunteers and the good feeling that comes with being of service to people in your own neighborhood,” said Lowe. “For many home-bound seniors, this may be the only person they will see during the week.”

For more information or to RSVP for the Open House, please contact the Council at (740) 363-6677. Walk-ins on the day of the event are welcome.