Lubbock Meals on Wheels is currently serving more than 500 meals daily. This would be impossible without the dedication and hard work of our wonderful volunteers. Over 800 people volunteer at Lubbock Meals on Wheels. They serve their community in many capacities, the most prominent being the cheerful delivery of meals to our recipients. Thirty-six volunteers are needed each and every day to deliver the routes. Volunteers are always needed to help in the delivery of these meals.

     A one-hour orientation is required of all volunteers. The training session provides volunteers with a brief history of Meals on Wheels and guidelines for meal delivery. During that time, applications are completed and a snapshot is taken for a picture identification badge. The purpose of the orientation is to prepare volunteers for service and to screen the individuals going into the recipients' homes. Safety for both recipients and volunteers is of the utmost concern.

     We have 36 routes and deliver meals on weekdays. Pick-up time is 10:45 to 11:15a.m. Delivering a route takes approximately one hour. Volunteers may deliver as often as they like with a permanent route assignment or as a substitute when the need arises.

     Volunteers are utilized in other areas as well. Office duties, such as helping with mail-outs, filing, and answering phones, are available. Volunteers are always needed in the kitchen to help in the preparation and packaging of meals.

     Lubbock Meals on Wheels grows many fruits, vegetables, and plants in its garden and greenhouse, which are adjacent to the office building. Flowerbeds are also maintained around the building. We are very grateful for assistance from anyone who is interested in gardening.

     Another way to volunteer is by helping with fundraisers. Lubbock Meals on Wheels holds several fundraisers throughout the year, all of which rely on volunteer participation. Clubs, organizations, sororities, and fraternities, as well as individuals, are welcomed to help with these events. If you have questions, please call Lisa at 792-7971.

     In 1999, Lubbock Meals on Wheels started the Corporate Volunteer Program. Individuals from local businesses take turns delivering a route one day per week. For example, if the business has twenty people who are interested in delivering meals, they can take turns delivering their route so only one or two people will be out of the office one hour per week, and each person will only deliver once every twenty weeks. It is a fantastic way for businesses to perform community service without overly committing their staffs' time. On-site orientations are available. For more information, call Barbara at 792-7971.