Spring Break
Volunteers on wheels
Marla Last
Issue date: 9/21/06 Section: LIFE
All it takes is a knock on the door and a lunch for Denton's Meals on Wheels program to make a difference in the lives of elderly.
The program has been a part of Denton for close to 30 years. Between their nine driving routes and one walking route, close to 100 meals are hand-delivered Monday through Friday to those 60 years of age or older who are part of the program. Volunteers of all ages meet at the pick up site between 10:30 and 11 a.m. at Heritage Oak, 2501 N. Bell, to retrieve the food. Meals are divided in to two coolers, one hot and one cold, said Julie Sacharko, volunteer coordinator.
"Meals on Wheels is a good and easy way to help out," said volunteer Joanie Smith, dining services administrative assistant. "The thankfulness of the senior citizen is rewarding."
Sacharko said the program is looking for volunteers. A volunteer's job is to follow the route to the highlighted areas on a map and deliver a lunch to the residents. Availability is flexible in order to fit any free lunch break students might have in the early afternoons between classes. All lunches are to be delivered before noon. Since volunteers follow the same route each time they will get the chance to get to know the senior citizens.
"Every time I go out on a delivery I feel good about myself and those I've helped," Sacharko said.
Volunteers are preferably at least 18 years of age and need to be a registered and licensed driver. Sacharko suggests bringing a friend along for the delivery to make it more fun. A route has close to 10 homes.
"You get to meet with the people on your route and you get to know them," Smith said. "Most of them are very grateful."
The University Union takes part in the Meals on Wheels program each Thursday by sending out a director or full-time staff member on delivery, said Jennifer Parker, University Programs Council graduate assistant.
"It's nice to see they have food for the day, and I get the chance to talk to people I usually wouldn't come in contact with," Parker said.
The program has been a part of Denton for close to 30 years. Between their nine driving routes and one walking route, close to 100 meals are hand-delivered Monday through Friday to those 60 years of age or older who are part of the program. Volunteers of all ages meet at the pick up site between 10:30 and 11 a.m. at Heritage Oak, 2501 N. Bell, to retrieve the food. Meals are divided in to two coolers, one hot and one cold, said Julie Sacharko, volunteer coordinator.
"Meals on Wheels is a good and easy way to help out," said volunteer Joanie Smith, dining services administrative assistant. "The thankfulness of the senior citizen is rewarding."
Sacharko said the program is looking for volunteers. A volunteer's job is to follow the route to the highlighted areas on a map and deliver a lunch to the residents. Availability is flexible in order to fit any free lunch break students might have in the early afternoons between classes. All lunches are to be delivered before noon. Since volunteers follow the same route each time they will get the chance to get to know the senior citizens.
"Every time I go out on a delivery I feel good about myself and those I've helped," Sacharko said.
Volunteers are preferably at least 18 years of age and need to be a registered and licensed driver. Sacharko suggests bringing a friend along for the delivery to make it more fun. A route has close to 10 homes.
"You get to meet with the people on your route and you get to know them," Smith said. "Most of them are very grateful."
The University Union takes part in the Meals on Wheels program each Thursday by sending out a director or full-time staff member on delivery, said Jennifer Parker, University Programs Council graduate assistant.
"It's nice to see they have food for the day, and I get the chance to talk to people I usually wouldn't come in contact with," Parker said.
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