COLUMBUS, Ohio — Every day, including holidays, Meals on Wheels delivers hundreds of meals across central Ohio. For many, these meals are more than just food; they are a crucial connection to the outside world.
On Christmas Day, at LifeCare Alliance’s base on Harmon Avenue, staff and volunteers worked side by side, packaging meals to ensure that deliveries continued, even amid the festivities.
Volunteer Joy Parkey shared how special these holiday deliveries can be. “Some of our clients don’t expect us, so it’s a lovely surprise when we arrive,” Parkey noted.
With around 120 drivers hitting the roads daily, rain or shine, their work is vital. For many seniors, a visit from Meals on Wheels might be their only social interaction for the day. Wayne Parkey emphasized this, stating, “We could be the only faces they see. Some may not have family visiting them.”
For the Parkeys, volunteering during the holidays has become a beloved tradition. “We do this every year. It’s fulfilling to help others,” Wayne said. They dedicate their time not just on Christmas, but throughout the year, especially during major holidays when the demand for drivers increases.
“Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year’s, even the Fourth of July— we like to pitch in during those times when they’re all hands on deck,” he added.
Once meals are prepped, volunteers venture out across central Ohio, delivering food while spreading kindness and joy during the holiday season. The need for volunteers is especially high around the holidays, as many seniors rely on this service for both nourishment and companionship.
A 2022 report from the National Meals on Wheels Association highlighted that nearly 60% of recipients reported feeling less lonely because of meal deliveries. This connection is essential, especially in a time when social isolation can be severe.
Volunteering not only enriches the lives of those receiving meals but also brings joy to the volunteers themselves. If you’re considering giving back, you can find more details about volunteering through LifeCare Alliance’s website here.
This program is a reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life.
