EL CAJON, Calif. — It may be Halloween, but instead of candy changing hands after a knock on the door, San Diego County seniors are receiving thousands of meals. In this Zevely Zone, I headed to El Cajon for a special delivery.
Every day, students from St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center deliver to over 80 seniors who are Meals on Wheels San Diego County’s East County clients. "We wouldn't be able to do that without our volunteers," said Tim Ray who runs the East County Service Center for Meals on Wheels.
"There would be no Meals on Wheels without our volunteers. Our volunteers are the backbone of Meals on Wheels. They are remarkable, they have this infectious smile and enthusiasm, and we get a lot of calls from our clients saying how much it brings to them."
The nonprofit began volunteering with Meals on Wheels San Diego County’s East County Service Center in August 2016. Depending upon the day, approximately 20-30 St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center students and job coaches volunteer out of Meals on Wheels San Diego County’s El Cajon drop-site.
Both nonprofits urge other local organizations, companies, community groups, and individuals to help break social isolation and combat malnutrition in San Diego’s aging population by volunteering with Meals on Wheels San Diego County.
"It makes me feel good honestly, helping out the seniors," said volunteer Austin Hiscock. "It makes me feel really good," said volunteer Kristen McClure.
"I have done Meals on Wheels for three years now," said volunteer Jennifer Smith.
"Our students love to volunteer," said Debra Emerson. When she became the CEO of St. Madeleine Sophie's Center 28 years ago times were different.
"People thought people with disabilities could not volunteer they cannot work but guess what?" said Debra.
One in 10 seniors in San Diego experience hunger, and nearly half of San Diego County seniors live alone. Meals on Wheels San Diego County delivers over 50,000 meals per month and serves more than 1,800 seniors each day.
Many Meals on Wheels San Diego County clients live alone or are socially isolated, and a volunteer is the only person they see all day. This daily friendly contact provides important socialization for seniors who may be isolated with little or no connection to the outside world.
Meals on Wheels has a program called Adopt-a-Route. If you are a church, non-profit or a business and you can deliver a meal as little as once a week or once a month, they've got work for you.
Adopt-A-Routes are routes that organizations commit to delivering by sending members or employees to volunteer. Organizations, groups and businesses can send one or two members every month to fulfill their route commitment.
This is an easy and effective way to become more involved with the local community, as well as a unique team-building opportunity. Meals on Wheels San Diego County volunteers are always needed not only in East County, but also in South County, North County and Metro area.
One delivered lunch during our visit went to El Cajon's Ann Strutz. "Wow!!" said the 106 years old. Ann is Meals on Wheels oldest client.
"I feel better since I got the Meals on Wheels because what they give you is healthy and tasty," said Ann who believes the secret to a long life is a well-balanced diet. "I like meat, I like vegetables, and we have fruit, and they have cookies they have quite a variety," said Ann. She also likes visitors. "Hi, my name is Kelsey," said volunteer Kelsey Wammack. What did Ann think about her special needs' special delivery? "It's amazing, first of all I never thought I'd live this long, and secondly I never thought anybody would make such a fuss over me," said Ann.
St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center educates and empowers individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to realize their full potential. For students at St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center, it is also a rewarding social experience that encourages them to become well-rounded, contributing members of the greater community. These empowering efforts allow individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to realize their full potential. For more information click here.
For more information about Meals on Wheels San Diego County click here. Organizations and groups interested in the Adopt-A-Route program can contact volunteer@meals-on-wheels.org.