CHARITY Meals on Wheels seeks volunteer drivers to serve those in need

Some drivers now deliver meals to as many as 19 people.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Bob and Grace Williams call themselves a perfect team for Meals on Wheels.
She has no sense of direction, so he does the driving.
He has a bad foot, so she carries the meals to each door.
They've been volunteering for Meals on Wheels in Mahoning County for the last six years, and with both in their early 80s, they are older than some of the people they serve.
"What you get from this is far greater than what you give," Grace Williams said. "It grabs hold of you."
Meals on Wheels officials say they need more people like the Williamses. They are looking for volunteers to help maintain the service, which delivers about 80 meals a day and can be a critical factor in allowing elderly residents to live at home.
About 70 volunteer drivers deliver 400 hot meals countywide over the course of a week. Drivers deliver meals to as few as three people and to as many as 19, said Kathy Cook, director of the Meals on Wheels program located at John Knox United Presbyterian Church, 1806 Market St.
"We could use another 20 drivers a week, even if it's only one day a week," said Cook, as she and two other volunteers packed meals on aluminum trays in the church basement.
"We're not turning anyone down for meals in our area, but if we don't get some more drivers, we may have to. Some routes are just getting too big. Whatever schedule people might be able to do, we can fill. Whatever works for them."
Flexible commitments
Bob and Grace Williams, like most of the volunteer drivers, deliver meals one day a week between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Cook said. A few volunteers deliver meals five days a week; some deliver meals once a month. Deliveries can take from 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the number of stops and locations.
The Williamses say their motivation for delivering meals is simple: the chance to help others. And they say they will continue to volunteer unless their own health problems prevent them.
"Some people really need the meals and are waiting for them to come," said Bob Williams, 83. "It's a break in the day for them."
Some folks like to chat with the couple, others prefer they simply drop off the meal. Either way, the Williamses say, the meals allow people to remain in their own homes and live as much as possible on their own terms.
"Folks want to remain in their homes for as long as possible," said Grace Williams, 82. "It becomes very, very, dear to you. Nobody wants to go to an assisted-living home if they can support themselves."
The couples deliver from 11-13 meals in Austintown, where more than one-third of the program's meals are delivered. Their route covers 25 miles and takes about two hours to complete.
"It never gets old," Grace Williams said. "We get tremendous satisfaction from this. We're doing something for someone else. Not a friend, not a relative, but a complete stranger."
Older drivers
While the number of meals provided by the program has remained relatively steady over the years, the number of drivers has gradually declined, Cook said. Drivers are typically between 75 and 85 years old, she said.
"People have gotten too old and not replaced by younger people," Cook said. "Younger people are working. You have to use your own car. Gas is costly."
Although gas reimbursement is available if needed, all the volunteer drivers pay for their own gas, Cook said.
Meals on Wheels is funded through donations and meal fees. The program does not accept state or federal funds because it would place age restrictions on who could receive meals, among other conditions, said Cook, who is the only paid staffer and works only part time.
A hot meal with a bag containing a drink, desert, fruit and bread and butter costs $6. The hot meal plus a "cold-sack supper," which includes a sandwich, fruit and salad, is available for $8.70.
Anyone interested in volunteering to deliver meals can call Cook at (330) 744-3583 between 8 a.m. and noon or the Volunteer Service to Seniors at (330) 782-5877. Those interested in having a meal delivered to their homes should call Cook.