YVEDDI’s Meals on Wheels program is in need of additional volunteer drivers as it plans to resume its daily meal deliveries soon. Due to the pandemic, Meals on Wheels switched to a weekly meal delivery but organizers are now planning to return to a daily delivery schedule.
“We are in desperate need of volunteer drivers,” said RSVP Manager Emily Mauck.
“Many of the volunteers only drive a route one day a week,” Mauck explained. “The nutrition site managers are happy to work with the volunteers to find a schedule that suits them. The need is great particularly at our sites in Yadkinville, Jonesville/Elkin, and East Bend.”
Though drivers are on a volunteer basis, there is an option for mileage reimbursement $0.50 per mile to volunteer drivers for the route they drive. In addition, anyone 55 or older can sign up to be a part of RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) which offers an additional mileage reimbursement ($0.25/mile) from their home to the nutrition site and back as well as other perks.
Pam Parker, a Meals on Wheels volunteer, said the experience has been a very rewarding one.
“I’ve been delivering meals for over a year now. It began as a favor to a friend but became much more,” she said. “I love the relationships I’ve gained with the clients and caregivers alike. I am sad when I lose clients to death or changed circumstances. I don’t mind when they ask for help. I worry when I hear they’re sick and I pray for them often. They have become part of my family. This isn’t a job or an inconvenience. It’s a distinct privilege.”
Interested volunteers may contact Mauck at 336-415-4247 for more information or to sign up.