Yesterday, I (Emily) was granted the opportunity to participate in the Meals on Wheels program. Jostens has been part of MOW for several years and gives their employees a chance to volunteer on a rotating basis each month. I wasn't quite sure what to expect going in, but knew that it would be quite an experience.
For those of you who are not familiar with how MOW works, here is a brief explanation. People can sign up for MOW and pay what they can (IF they can) each month to have meals delivered to their home. As for delivering the food: a MOW employee brings several coolers of food & drinks to a central location where volunteers can stop by and pick up their designated carriers and route slips. Each route slip lists the names of the 'customers', their address, and specific directions including "Door will be open, go on in" or "Client is hard of hearing, knock loudly and introduce yourself before entering".
Our first delivery was to Ruby, a gentle, elderly woman who was so happy that we had stopped by to visit her. We talked with her for a few minutes and were then headed out the door when we heard her crying as she was walking back to her recliner. We asked if she was alright, if there was anything we could do, etc. and she said that sometimes she just cries because there are so many things going on in her life. I said a little prayer right then and there that God would lift the burdens from her shoulders and that she could rise above the pain.
The other deliveries were less eventful, but most of the people were just as happy to see us. If the opportunity arises to volunteer for MOW again, I will definitely be signing up. It opened my eyes to see how some of the elderly people in our country are having to live and what they are dealing with on a daily basis. MOW is a great organization and I encourage you to check out the local chapter in your community. It only took us an hour to deliver to 15 meals, so if you have a little bit of time, this would be a great way to donate it. :o)
