Meals on Wheels: Warm Meal, Warm Smiles

Do you want to give back to your community, but are not sure where or how to start?

Patch will make it easy for you to connect with organizations in need. This is Day 1 of our special end-of-year series: "The 12 Days of Volunteering." We are sure you will be able to find a volunteer effort from our series of articles, which run through Dec. 30.

Meals on Wheels is a prime example of a charity that does a lot, thanks to the help of some dedicated volunteers. No special expertise is required either.

Can you donate two hours one day a week? Meals on Wheels may be the organization for you.

Christina Angelou, site coordinator for the Neighborly Care Network's Meals on Wheels in Gulfport, says there is a need for more drivers in Pinellas County.

Currently, volunteers in Gulfport alone run about 10 routes a day, Monday-Friday. There is so much need for Meals on Wheels that a waiting list is kept of eligible seniors who qualify for the program.

According to the Meals on Wheels website, nearly 1,000 homebound residents in Pinellas County recieve meals daily.

"In 2010, Meals on Wheels volunteers contributed almost 48,000 hours delivering noontime meals to the frail and homebound. Their efforts are valued at $767,056," according to the non-profit organization's website.

Volunteers are key to getting the warm meals to homebound seniors.

“We want to meet our commitment to get the meals out on time, that’s our goal,” Christina Angelou said.

Angelou says they have a dedicated group of volunteers, but need more help.

Interested in volunteering? All it takes is about two hours a week, mid-morning.

You have to be:

• 18 years of age or older;
• Have a clean driving record;
• Pass a background check;
• Provide your own transportation.

So, what's it like to volunteer? Hear from volunteers in our previous story: "Want to Volunteer? St. Pete's Meals on Wheels Needs Your Help."  Volunteers undergo orientation and training.

People who are interested in volunteering as drivers for Neighborly Care Network’s Meals On Wheels program can contact:

• Gulfport Senior Center in Gulfport should call (727) 344-2111.
• Sunshine Center in St. Petersburg, should call (727) 893-7136.

Looking for other locations in Pinellas County? Please call (727) 573-9444, ext. 4210, for more information.

Interested in making a monetary donation? Learn more online, including how to donate gas cards for volunteers delivering meals.