Meals on Wheels Looking for Volunteer Drivers

The Senior Adult Activities Center of Montgomery County (Montco SAAC) is looking for active adults and young adults to deliver meals to homebound seniors in the Norristown and Lower Providence areas week days beginning about 10:15 a.m. Volunteers are needed to drive and partner with drivers Monday thru Friday.

This enormous volunteer effort begins at 8:30 a.m., when the first batch of frozen meals is put in large convection ovens. Members of Montco SAAC then pack bag lunches also containing the beverages, dessert and rolls to go with the hot dinner. By 10:15 a.m. the cold meals are packed in coolers and the hot meals in hot packs awaiting the volunteer drivers.

Meals on Wheels not only helps maintain the client’s nutritional intake but serves as a check on the senior’s health, and home environment. In all 130 elderly shut-ins receive two meals and a friendly visitor. The slogan, "We deliver smiles" is very appropriate.

Jean Hjorth, Meals on Wheels Coordinator, said that the opportunities for drivers are very flexible.

"Some of the drivers go out every day, some once a week, and some groups such as clubs or church groups pick a day and the membership rotates doing the route," Hjorth said. "We even need substitute drivers in case someone can’t drive at the last minute. It takes about 75 volunteers to keep the program running smoothly, so if you can help, it would be much appreciated!" 

Montco SAAC is a private, non-profit activities center for Adults 50 and up, offering a comprehensive program of social, educational, recreational and volunteer activities. Located at 536 George Street in Norristown, SAAC also houses Adult Day Services for adults who cannot stay by themselves, and numerous social services for the elderly in the community. For more information call 610-275-1960 or stop by.