The Visiting Nurse Association Meals on Wheels Program needs volunteers to help deliver meals in communities in Porter County. "If you have an hour or so between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., once a week or once or twice a month, we'd love to talk to you," says Janelle Zolkowski, VNA Meals on Wheels Coordinator.
Anyone who is looking for something worthwhile to do in the line of community service and who has a valid driver’s license is welcome to become a Meals on Wheels volunteer driver.
Individuals, local businesses, and community organizations can volunteer. Zolkowski says, "We have a number of churches, businesses and organizations who have 'adopted' a route, with employees or members taking turns delivering meals during their lunch hour. It's a wonderful opportunity for individuals, couples, church groups, businesses or organizations to really make a difference in the lives of the elderly and disabled in our community.â€
VNA Meals on Wheels has provided nutritional hot lunches to Porter County residents since 1977. A large percentage of Meals on Wheels clients are senior citizens. Many of them would be unable to continue to live at home without the service. According to Zolkowski, the Meals on Wheels volunteer is often the only person these individuals see all day. It is contact with the outside world that they look forward to, and it is also reassuring for their families to know someone is checking in on them during the day.
Portage VNA Meals on Wheels coordinator Irene Moore says, "We sure could use a few more volunteers, especially for our Portage routes. Without enough volunteers to deliver the meals, the program can't happen." She would be "ever so grateful if people could volunteer for even two days a month. That would really help a lot," she says.
For more information on how to become a Meals on Wheels volunteer, contact the VNA at 462-5195.