79°
While the program has about 500 volunteers who make a once-a-month delivery commitment, more are urgently needed, said Executive Director Jeanne Martin in a Daily Voice interview.
There are about 220 clients, people who mainly can no longer stand by a stove to cook a meal or open a can to heat one up, she explained.
Although the meal delivery makes a significant impact on their quality of life, the daily contact with the volunteers is immeasurable in many ways.
"Their impact is every day. Not just one but all the clients stay connected to the world via the volunteers," she said. "Our clients often have no family members who can be with them during the day. Our volunteer drivers are a daily check in with our clients and many have developed long and lasting relationships. Through Meals on Wheels, we are able to connect clients with other needed services."
They are people who "brighten the lives" of others," Martin said.
Some Meals on Wheels facts:
Number of clients: 220
Cost: $7.35 for two meals; a limited number of meals are subsidized
Frequency: Hot and cold meals are delivered Monday to Friday
Who prepares meals: Christian Healthcare
Time commitment: One day a month, for two hours or less during the time frame of 10:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. weekdays. A volunteer partner will be assigned to assist.
For more information, contact volunteer coordinator Tracey Gerber at (201) 891-9070 or to enroll, send an e-mail to Jeanne Martin at director@pvmealsonwheels.org or call (201) 358-0050.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Wyckoff-Franklin Lakes and receive free news updates.
