Thanks to a remarkable core of volunteers, the Senior Hub Meals on Wheels program is unique. Volunteers not only deliver a warm, nutritious meal each day, but they share so much more with their clients and with each other.

When asked why they make the effort to deliver meals when they are seniors with fixed incomes and health problems of their own, the Meals on Wheels volunteers' responses are immediate, enthusiastic and positive. One volunteer responded that on a day he is feeling very down and stiff from arthritis, somehow, by the time he has finished delivering his route, he feels better physically and emotionally. Another volunteer responded by saying that she just loves her clients and is amazed at how much they have taught her. A third volunteer interjected that taking his own trash out sometimes makes him grumpy, but doing it for a client, which he said he does frequently, leaves him feeling needed, warm, and happy. A fourth volunteer added his own example from last Christmas season. He said, "My wife and I got more joy out of taking some clients on our route out to see Christmas lights than just viewing them by ourselves."

A very special relationship between a Meals on Wheels volunteer and a client developed because of an error that the volunteer made one day. She did not pack enough desserts, so one client received no pie. The volunteer felt so bad that the next week she brought him a whole pie she made just for him. That client is no longer receiving Meals on Wheels because he moved to an assisted living facility, but his former volunteer still goes and visits with him weekly.

Day after day our volunteers extend themselves to take a client out for a hair cut or grocery shopping, to replace a burned out light bulb or to repair a leaky sink, to pick up client prescriptions or to replace a screen in a door. The number of services they provide is endless. During the recent Oct. 26 snow storm, nearly all volunteers reported in, ready to deliver their meals.

The volunteers enjoy their work and social times together. Many new friendships have formed among the volunteers, and even an occasional romance has blossomed.

If you are interested in joining this friendly group of volunteers, feel free to contact either Marita or Kendall at the Senior Hub Meals on Wheels, 303 426-4408. New volunteers are always needed and welcomed.