Adult volunteers are needed to deliver hot meals to homebound older adults in the greater Rhinelander area. Oneida County Department on Aging Director Dianne Jacobson explains how their Meals On Wheels program works...
"..We operate seven routes out of this building every Monday through Friday. It includes almost 100 people, total. We need volunteers and it usually takes 2-3 hours at a time, commit to one day a week. We do have some volunteers who prefer to be substitutes. They say call me if you have someone who can't do it and I'll come in. We do like to do it within people's busy schedules...."
Jacobson says the volunteers do get mileage reimbursement...
"..We can pay the IRS rate which is curently 54 cents per mile. The volunteer is not incurring any cost for using their vehicle. That way it's more appealing to people. We also encourage people to do it with a spouse or friend. We even have people who are allowed a little longer lunch hour from their employer so they can do a route...."
Jacobson says the hot meals are critical for many people to remain living in their own homes. She says the people getting the meals greatly appreciate the Meals On Wheels drivers. She says drivers need to be age 18 or older and have a good driving record.
Dianne Jacobson says for more information about volunteering for Meals on Wheels, contact Dawn Johnson at the Oneida County Department on Aging in Rhinelander.
