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Description:
The Meals on Wheels volunteer program enlists the support of community volunteers who donate one lunch hour weekly to deliver hot meals to eligible seniors near their home or workplace. Generally, volunteers are part of a work or service group who commit as an organization to 'adopt' a group of seniors in their area for meal delivery, friendly visits, and to ensure the general safety and well-being of the clients they serve.
Individuals in the group make meal deliveries once a week on their lunch hour. Volunteer organizations are required to have an in-house coordinator. In addition, 1-2 back-ups help provide stability to the volunteer route, making themselves available during others sick leave or vacation.
Volunteer routes comprise 8-10 stops and are located so volunteers can make deliveries and return within one hour. Meals on Wheels staff accompany volunteers on their first visit to the homes of clients to make introductions and provide information about program delivery policies. A background check is required prior to participating with the program.
Individual volunteers, not part of an organized group, are also welcome. There are routes in all areas of the valley where individuals can make a difference by volunteering as little as one hour per week.
Volunteer Opportunities: Opportunities exist Monday - Friday. Some volunteers participate on Saturdays and make deliveries in the neighborhoods where they live. Individuals wishing to benefit the program in other ways are also welcome. Generally, this has taken the form of monetary donations to the program to assist in making meals possible for clients in our service area.
Training and Support: The Meals on Wheels Volunteer Coordinator provides a 15 minute introduction to the program. Often this takes place as part of a staff meeting or other gathering for a group wishing to participate. We are also available one on one to answer questions and describe volunteer opportunities for individual volunteers.
A program newsletter is made available twice yearly to provide added training material. An annual luncheon is held to meet with the volunteer coordinators from our partner organizations.
Contact person: Anne Jewett, 2001 South State Street, S3400, Salt Lake City, Utah 84190. Telephone (801) 468-2456, Fax (801) 468-3556, E-Mail: ajewett@slco.org
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Application forms (pdf, 155 kb)
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