Monday, March 17, 2003
More than 100,000 meals are delivered each year.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- If you've got a driver's license, some free time and the desire to help others and live in Girard, Niles or Mineral Ridge, Trumbull Mobile Meals Inc. wants to talk to you.
The agency is looking for volunteer drivers to deliver meals to homebound residents in those areas.
"You just need to have a valid driver's license and a big heart," said Koreen Palm, communications coordinator for the organization. "We're looking for people who want to give something back to the community."
Volunteers needed
Trumbull Mobile Meals is looking for volunteers who can deliver the meals, once a day, once a week or once a month.
"Whatever they're able to do would help," Palm said. "We need a lot of volunteers in that area."
Every day, an average of 50 to 55 volunteers pack and deliver meals to homebound residents across the county. More than 100,000 meals are delivered each year to county residents.
A shortage of volunteers in the Mineral Ridge, Niles and Girard areas requires the agency to rely on the same group of people. That can be a strain for some because volunteers use their own vehicles and gasoline.
About 70 people in those areas and parts of Liberty get the meals delivered to their homes.
What it does
Mobile Meals is a non-profit agency which receives funding from United Way of Trumbull County. It was founded in 1970 by the Women's Trumbull Medical Society Alliance. The cost of meals delivered is determined using a sliding fee scale based on the recipient's income.
The organization also conducts fundraisers.
Clients include residents who are unable to prepare meals themselves because of advanced age, disability or illness.
"As long as there's a need for the service, we provide the service," Palm said.
The organization delivers both hot and cold meals that can be tailored to a recipient's specific dietary requirements. Deliveries are Monday through Friday, but arrangements can be made for an extra meal to be delivered Friday for people who need weekend meals.
Meals are assembled at St. Joseph's Health Center on Eastland Avenue at Forum Health Hillside Hospital.
Call (330) 394-2538 for more information or to volunteer.