This month the volunteer spotlight focuses on one of the Italy volunteers, Floyd Elfrink. He delivers meals every Friday and also fills in when the need arises.

Floyd retired at age 55 to help take care of his dad who resides in Missouri.

Two years ago Floyd was in the Italy Dry Cleaners dropping off some clothes when he saw a flyer regarding the need for Meals on Wheels volunteers. He made a phone call and has been helping ever since.

One of the things Floyd likes the best about delivering meals is visiting with the clients. He wishes he had more time to spend with them. Floyd mentioned that the people are so appreciative of what is being done for them, they will always thank you for stopping by with their meals.

There is a Fall Volunteer Forum for Meals on Wheels on Tuesday, October 28 from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at North Ellis County Outreach, located at 404 S. Highway 342 in Red Oak. You are invited for breakfast and coffee with a chance to visit with staff and other volunteers. There will be information sessions about Meals on Wheels growth and future plans for the elderly and disabled in our communities.

There is a new Ellis County Rural Route. The new route begins October 13. This new route will reach clients who are away from the city limits. Instead of them receiving frozen meals they will now be delivered hot meals daily. Paul Wolfe will be the rural route driver. Paul has been a faithful Waxahachie volunteer.

The Golf Benefit 2008 was a wonderful success. This event raised $75,000! There were 264 golfers and over 50 volunteers. The monies will be used to feed the homebound elderly and disabled persons in our community.

Volunteers are needed for Ennis on Tuesday and Wednesday, Ferris on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, Italy on Tuesday, Bardwell on Monday and Thursday, and Red Oak on Monday. If you or someone you know would like to volunteer please call: 972-351-9943.

The new volunteers are:

Ennis — Holly Anderson, Claystone Healthcare Center — Sarah Knaval, Tammy Vasquez, Allen Ross, Sue Thomas, Joella Anderson and Rhonda Hamm.

Midlothian — Janis Richie and Jaime Holland.

Waxahachie — Doyce Miles, Kayce Kirk, Christine Grieser, Shari Alfaro and Sally Barnett.

Please come join our happy throng of volunteers!