The Macomb County Office of Senior Services has issued an urgent request for volunteers able to work for its Meals on Wheels program. The request, which comes ahead of National Volunteer Month in April, is in response to the reopening of Meals on Wheels drop-off locations.
“We are reopening a location which closed due to COVID-19,” said Nicole Urban, program manager for the Macomb County Office of Senior Services. “While the reopening is great news, we must also deal with the fact that not all of our previous volunteers have returned to service. So now we are asking our community if they can spare a few hours a month to help our most vulnerable seniors.”
Individuals interested in volunteering will help deliver meals in Sterling Heights at Schoenherr Tower (16 Mile and Schoenherr) and in Clinton Township at St. George Tower (Canal and Hayes).
“Delivering meals can be a special experience,” Urban said. “In some cases, we are the only people our seniors interact with all day. Our service really makes an impact and you can feel good knowing you made a difference for someone.”
Those inspired to volunteer during National Volunteer Month - and beyond - can apply through the Office of Senior Services at macombgov.org/seniors (select “volunteer”). Duties include:
- Completing a new volunteer orientation
- Delivering meals two times per month along routes that take approximately 60 minutes to complete
- Routes are driven Monday through Friday at lunchtime (generally delivered between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.)
- Routes can be located close to a volunteer's home or work
- Delivering holiday meals on Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas, while Emergency Preparedness Packs are delivered twice a year on Saturdays
Volunteers must also pass a background check, have their own vehicle, a valid driver's license and carry automobile insurance. Mileage reimbursement is offered.
Individuals with questions can email