For Richard Matthews, working with Meals On Wheels of Tampa is more than just another volunteer opportunity. “I enjoy delivering meals to people who ar ein need of help in getting a nutritious meal daily. The idea that I can provide these meals with a smile and be asking how they’re doing is very rewarding an
d is one way I give back to the community,” says the twelve-year resident of Water-chase. “Another volunteer mentioned this opportunity and I immediately though it was a great way to spend a morning or two each week. I can foresee doing this for many years.”
Richard has been delivering meals to people who are home bound or unable to obtain meals on their own for the last year. He typically spends 4-5 hours a week and one or two mornings volunteering.
At Meals on Wheels, volunteers are the heart of the organization. If you are looking for a way to help through Meals on Wheels of Tampa (MOWTampa), they are in need of additional volunteers to help deliver meals in Hillsborough County. It takes approximately one hour or so of your time and volunteers are able to choose which day, and the frequency, to deliver meals based on availability. Summer is a great time to get the kids involved. MOW Tampa also welcomes one-time, substitute/on-call, drivers.
MOWTampa says that within the Westchase area, there are several volunteers serving. Westchase area residents Jeanne Kuehner helps out in the office every week, while Jeff Chilcott delivers produce every month. Both Jeanne and Jeff find this work rewarding and feel good knowing that they are helping their community. The recipients are appreciative of this service and excited to see a happy face. It’s also a great way to build meaningful friendships!
MOWTampa has been serving Tampa since 1975. (each day we serve 700 seniors, but in a year we serve over 200,000 meals) This year MOWTampa will serve over 700 elderly and homebound neighbors, including approximately 250 people in the Upper Tampa Bay area. Hot meals are delivered Monday-Friday, and produce is d
elivered the third Saturday of each month (Produce on Wheels). In addition several deliveries are made each year for hurricane preparedness packs, as well as treats around Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The goal is to help residents live independently in their own home with health, safety and dignity, rather than making the difficult and costly decision to move to an assisted living or other facility. The typical person that MOWTampa serves is elderly or disabled, lives alone, and has a small pension or social security check every month.
MOWTampa also relies on 66 businesses, clubs and groups (Adopt-A-Route partners) to deliver some of the meals. These groups pick a route close to their location, a day M-F, and then the frequency of delivering. Members then rotate through a schedule allowing them to spend a portion of the morning giving back where they live, play and work.
About Meals On Wheels of Tampa:
Meals On Wheels of Tampa has been committed to nourishing and enriching the independent lives of the homebound and seniors of Tampa since 1975. Today, Meals On Wheels of Tampa serves over 700 people with a hot meal during the lunch hour. Meals On Wheels of Tampa is a 4-star charity and relies on its community for support by not accepting government funding.
Follow Meals On Wheels of Tampa on Facebook | Linkedin | Twitter | Google+ | Instagram | YouTube
