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Brunch honors Meals on Wheels volunteers
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Meals on Wheels volunteers enjoyed a brunch provided by Meals on Wheels to show appreciaton on March 18.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Drivers for Meals on Wheels attended an appreciation brunch on March 18.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Meals on Wheels drivers came to their appreciation brunch on March 18 at the Meals and Wheels building.
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Neighbors | Alexis Bartolomucci.Meals on Wheels volunteers gathered to the Meals on Wheels building on March 18 to take part in the appreciation brunch.
By ALEXIS BARTOLOMUCCI
Meals on Wheels showed their appreciation for their volunteer drivers on March 18 by hosting a brunch.
This is the first year Meals on Wheels of Mahoning County hosted a brunch for the drivers. They wanted to do something to show how much the drivers mean to the organization and have a day to celebrate the drivers.
Jerry Martin, driver of 16 years, has been a loyal volunteer and drives whenever he is asked. Martin, who previously taught for the Boardman Schools, joined Meals on Wheels because of the respect he has for the generation ahead of him.
“Once I retired, I wanted to pay back,” said Martin. “I think I got another year or two in me.”
Martin said the generation they are serving have made it possible for people now to have a good life. They are strong characters with strong values, which is something he admires.
Volunteers for Meals on Wheels are more than just people who deliver food. They provide a watchful eye to their customers and become friends with them in the process. Several volunteers have made friends with the people they serve meals too and are happy to see each other when the food is being delivered. Many of the customers look forward to seeing the volunteers.
“We couldn’t do it without them. We have 35-37 volunteers that come five days a week,” said Meals on Wheels of Mahoning County president Kathy Esseniyi.
The brunch provided an opportunity for all of the volunteers of Meals on Wheels to get together and have a good time. The Meals on Wheels board enjoyed having the chance to show how much they appreciate their drivers, and that Meals on Wheels of Mahoning County wouldn’t happen without them.