Meals on Wheels in Need of Drivers

Do you want to give back to your community, but aren't sure where or how to start?

To make it easy for you to connect with organizations in need, Patch is running a special end-of-year series, The 12 Days of Volunteering. Through Dec. 31, we will bring you one volunteer opportunity a day from a local nonprofit group. 

Day 1: Meals on Wheels

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

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

Christina Angelou, a site coordinator for the Neighborly Care Network's Meals on Wheels, says there is a need for more drivers in Pinellas County. Demand is so high for Meals on Wheels that there is a waiting list 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."

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,” Angelou said.

Angelou says the Neighborly Care Network, which runs the program in Pinellas County, has a dedicated group of volunteers, but they need more help.

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

Volunteers have to:

• Be 18 or older
• Have a clean driving record
• Pass a background check
• Provide their own transportation

So what's it like to volunteer? Hear from Meals on Wheels volunteers who spoke to Old Northeast Patch for a column in April. Volunteers undergo orientation and training.

People who are interested in volunteering as drivers for Neighborly Care Network’s Meals On Wheels program can call (727) 573-9444, ext. 4210, for information.

Interested in donating money instead of time? The program also accepts gas cards for volunteers delivering meals.

About this column: This special 12-day series looks at ways residents can volunteer and make a difference in their communities in 2012.