Meal preparation and delivery drivers vital to keep seniors healthy for the holidays

The spirit of the holidays often inspires people to share their good fortunes with the less fortunate, and this year, Atlanta Meals on Wheels provider Senior Connections is asking Atlanta residents to think about sharing time as well as money.

“Small acts of good go a long way, especially during the holidays,” said Debra Furtado, CEO of Senior Connections. “A few hours of volunteer time for us means a senior living on their own gets a week’s worth of nutritious meals delivered to their home as well as some valuable social interaction.”

According to the Blackbaud Index of Charitable Giving, about 34 percent of all charitable giving is done in the last three months of the year; of those donations, about 18 percent are given in December alone. But family commitments and holiday events often compete with volunteer time, meaning that charities which rely heavily on a volunteer labor force, like Meals on Wheels affiliates, find themselves trying to meet increased demands for services with a smaller workforce.

“Our volunteer meal delivery drivers do more than just ensure proper nutrition for our seniors,” explained Furtado. “They provide valuable social contact, helping to keep our seniors healthy in both mind and body. This is especially important during the holidays, which for many people is a time of increased isolation and loneliness.”

More than 15,000 nutritious meals are prepared weekly out of Senior Connections’ main kitchen in Chamblee, and meals are distributed from its Chamblee and Decatur centers throughout metro Atlanta and middle Georgia. Most of the organization’s local meal preparation and delivery is handled by volunteers, who donate anywhere from just a few hours on one day to a regular weekly commitment of time. Senior Connections is especially looking for volunteers during November and December to pick up duties from those who are busy with their own families or may be travelling during the holidays.

“For many seniors, the volunteer who delivers that meal may be the only person they will see all day, and the meal may be the only healthy one they have that day,” said Furtado. ““We rely on an army of volunteers to support our Meals on Wheels program, and we hope that everyone will consider sharing their time during this holiday season. That brief moment of personal connection will nourish the volunteer and senior alike, and what better gift could you give or receive than that?”

Volunteer opportunities at Senior Connections are available for meal delivery drivers and food prep / kitchen personnel the week prior to Thanksgiving and all throughout the holiday season; contact Senior Connections’ Volunteer Services at seniorconnectionsatl.org/volunteer or call 770.455.7602.

About Senior Connections

Since 1973 Senior Connections has provided programs and services designed to help seniors “age in place” in the comfort of their own homes. More than 15,000 nutritious meals are prepared weekly out of Senior Connections’ main kitchen, and meals are distributed throughout metro Atlanta and middle Georgia. In addition to providing this large number of meals, the nonprofit agency provides home repair, in-home care and neighborhood centers to area seniors. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, services are available to anyone over the age of 62, regardless of income level. More information is available at seniorconnectionsatl.org.

About Meals on Wheels America

Meals on Wheels America is the oldest and largest national organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger. This network exists in virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million staff and volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. By providing funding, leadership, education, research and advocacy support, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. For more information, or to find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit mealsonwheelsamerica.org.