Summertime is a critical time of the year for Meals-on-Wheels. With the summer heat, there is an even greater need to check on the home-bound disabled and elderly persons in the community. Since summer tends to be a busy time of the year for many with school being out and people being gone on vacation, Meals-on-Wheels needs caring volunteers to help deliver meals during the summer throughout the county.

“With the summer months approaching, it is more important than ever, for dedicated volunteers to be available to check on our seniors daily,” said Lisa Gordon, Ellis County volunteer coordinator.

Currently, Meals-on-Wheels has 40 delivery routes providing meals countywide. Meals-on-Wheels depends on its volunteers to deliver to twelve communities in Ellis County, which include Avalon, Bardwell, Ennis, Ferris, Italy, Maypearl, Midlothian, Milford, Ovilla, Palmer, Red Oak, and Waxahachie.

“At this time, all our communities are in need of additional volunteers,” she continued.

Prepared meals are picked up at locations in each of the communities served, Monday through Friday between eleven A.M. and the noon hour, with delivery times taking no longer than forty-five minutes. Volunteers are provided with detailed directions and instructions, and help when they can, whether it is weekly, a couple of times a month, or simply on an as needed basis.

“With daily contact from our volunteers, Meals-on-Wheels helps in preventing possible heat-related deaths from occurring. In some cases, the volunteer might be the only person a senior may see all day,” added Gordon.

The summer heat strikes hardest among the elderly population. In fact, more than half of the nation’s heat related deaths occur in persons 65 years and older. Largely, these type deaths result from elderly persons on fixed incomes turning off fans and air conditioners in fear of high utility bills. Meals-on-Wheels also assists by providing fans during the summer months to those that are in need.

“Not only do the volunteers deliver meals to the homebound, the daily contact might save a life,” added Gordon.

If you are interested in volunteering, or if you know of someone who could benefit from Meals-on-Wheels services, please call (972) 351-9943 or online at www.servingthechildrenofyesterday.org.

Meals-on-Wheels is a community benefit organization serving the residents of Johnson and Ellis counties for 34 years.