HALTOM CITY (WBAP/KLIF News) – Meals on Wheels Tarrant County is in dire need of volunteers.
The organization serves on average 3,000 clients per day, 5,600 meals per week and 1.4 million meals per year.
This North Texan named Kelly has worked with Meals on Wheels and said she finds it fulfilling.
“I enjoy meeting with and talking with all my wonderful clients. I learn something from them and I am able to make a difference working at Meals on Wheels,” said Kelly.
The organization is searching for more people like Kelly, who are willing to dedicate some of their time each week to help the region’s most vulnerable population.
Meals on Wheels Tarrant County’s Jordan Lyle said the coronavirus pandemic has hit the organization hard and led to increase in clientele and a decrease in helping hands.
“When COVID hit we recognized that maybe there were some people that could still cook for themselves but they didn’t feel comfortable going to the grocery store anymore and due to other health complications or just really being nervous as we watch these numbers rise in our area. So we realized that was a need,” she said.
That growing demographic ballooned when other organizations were sidelined by the virus and Meals on Wheels Tarrant County decided to take on those clients.
Those who wish to volunteer to must able to commit to certain criteria.
“It’s about an hour-and-a-half from picking up your meal at a distribution site and going out delivering your route. It’s Monday through Friday for just one day and you’ll deliver in an area where you work or live,” said Lyle.
There are 44 distribution sites in the area and the serving hours are typically between 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Each volunteer delivers about ten to twelve meals on their route.
Although the organization’s call is for more volunteers to deliver meals, this effort is about more than just food. Lyle said there are many levels to the impact volunteers have on the lives of clients.
“When you volunteer, you are going to see the impact on your neighbors in need instantly when you go out on your route especially during this time when people are nervous,” she said. “Just seeing a face from a distance that just simply asks ‘hey, how are you doing?’ ‘Are you okay?’ is huge. Most of our clients do not see anybody else other than their volunteers throughout the entire week and that’s especially true during this time.”
It’s a powerful bond Lyle said she has a personal connection with.
“My great-grandmother was able to live in her home in Haltom City until she was 101 by herself. I largely credit that to the services that Meals on Wheels Tarrant County can provide,” she said.
All volunteers must complete a background check and virtual training. There will be no meal delivery on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
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