Meals on Wheels Holland Routes Risk Cuts Due to Shortage of Volunteer Drivers
Holland, Mich. – Mabel sits alone. Her children are grown and now live out of state. Her husband passed away a few years ago. It isn’t easy to get around anymore. There is one smiling face that she counts on, her Meals on Wheels driver. This is the story of hundreds of our aging neighbors in Ottawa, Muskegon, and Oceania counties who rely on the Meals on Wheels program from AgeWell Services of West Michigan.
According to the National Older Americans Act Participants Survey, 58% of seniors say they live alone and for many, the only person they see that day is their Meals on Wheels delivery driver. But due to volunteer driver shortages, some routes may soon need to be cut in Holland.
AgeWell Services is looking for volunteer Meals on Wheels drivers in Holland. Multiple routes are open. Deliveries are made Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays. Meals are picked up by 10 am and delivered by 1 pm. Most days are a one and half to three hour commitment. Background checks are required and drivers must provide proof of a valid driver’s license. Drivers use their own vehicles but mileage is reimbursed.
If you can spare some time to help your aging neighbors, please contact AgeWell Services at agewellservices.org or by calling our Volunteer Coordinator at 231-559-0476.
About AgeWell Services
AgeWell Services of West Michigan was founded in 1973. AgeWell Services invites adults 60 and over to redefine their age. We provide vital connections to keep our most vulnerable population nourished, active, learning, and living independently. AgeWell Services is a private nonprofit. With support of a 3-county Board of Directors, a programming advisory committee, 90 staff members and 300 volunteers, we provide 6 different services to adults 60 and over in Muskegon, Oceana, and Ottawa counties – Meals on Wheels, Lunch & Activity Centers, Wellness (55 and over), Senior Medical Transportation, Discount Dining Program, and SafeSeniors. For more information on AgeWell Services visit: www.agewellservices.org or follow the organization on Facebook and Twitter: @AgeWellServices