VOLUNTEER | General Info

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Volunteers are the lifeline of our organization....the wheels! Without the volunteers performing the home delivery of two meals a day, our homebound neighbors would be malnourished and isolated. Often our volunteers are the only person that they get to see or talk to all day. With two meals, a daily visit and a reassuring phone call, our homebound neighbors are able to remain in their own homes, well nourished and living independently.

Volunteer opportunities for meal delivery occur Monday through Friday between 11am - 1pm. At present, weekend meals are frozen and delivered the Thursday before. Volunteers utilize their own cars without compensation, however, it is not mandatory to have a vehicle. We always maintain a driver and navigator/delivery person - 2 people in a car. At times, there may be office work requiring volunteer assistance.

Volunteer criteria for meal delivery is to complete a sign-up form requesting basic information and a background check performed at our office and to view a training video. We are very flexible and are grateful for whatever you are able to offer us. You let us know when you are able to volunteer and we will schedule accordingly. Volunteers schedules range from once a week to twice a week, every week, every month to those individuals who prefer to be on-call.

Volunteer inquiries to be made to Joanna Vasquez by calling 310.394.7558 between 9am - 1pm, Monday through Friday

 

A poem by a Meals on Wheels West volunteer
about the wonders of Meals on Wheels…..

The Open Door Policy

The mood I’m in when I’m the giver
Of the Meals on Wheels, which I deliver

Grows gladder and stronger, and springs to the fore,
The closer I come to your open door.

Which tells me, not so much of your need,
As of how you greet a friend, indeed.

Of how you await, at your open door mat,
Along with the meals, a friendly chat,

Which enhances the day for the both of us,
And contributes a good deal for the growth of us,

You talk of your family, I talk of mine,
“Any problems with health? Oh no, they’re fine.”

We get around to talk of the times,
The terrible tragedies, the horrible crimes.

Then it’s, “See ya next week, we’ll talk some more
When we meet again at your open door.”
This poem was written September 23, 1997 by Arno, known as “Mr. Rhyme Man.” At the time, Arno was 90 years young and had been delivering meals with a poem for 9 years. Soon, the folks receiving the meals from him were sharing their poetry rhymes with Arno. Arno has since passed away but his legacy of service with a poem will always be a part of what we do.

 

Pictures of our VOLUNTEERS in Action!!

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