Meals-on-Wheels: “The Joy of Service”
Through the Eyes of a Volunteer in Johnson County

There is a personal feeling of self worth and a joy in service,” says Velma, a Meals-on-Wheels volunteer. As an Alvarado volunteer for over a year, Ms. Velma DeGano, finds personal satisfaction in delivering meals to the homebound. “I love the people on my route, and I believe they love me as well,” DeGano added.

“I like the way I feel about myself. I am, myself, an old lady and there are not too many things that I can still do for my community,” DeGano said, as she smiled.

“But, more importantly, Meals-on-Wheels fills a great and important need in many communities. I just think of the elderly and disabled who could not live at home if not for the meals that you (Meals-on-Wheels) provide,” DeGano said.

Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties delivers noontime meals Monday through Friday. Meals-on-Wheels is a dual-county program covering over 1,700 square miles with 27 routes in Johnson County. The meals are delivered by caring volunteers with convenient “pick-up points” in each of the communities served.

“A route takes no more than an hour to deliver, and provides the daily contact for those we serve,” said Pam Masters, Volunteer Coordinator. “We continue to need volunteers to help get meals delivered, as well as local monies to support our organization,” she added.

DeGano concluded by saying, “I know their (the clients) gratitude is tremendous. There are many times that we (volunteers) are the only human contact all day. I want to thank Meals-on-Wheels, on behalf of my new found friends and myself, for what you do!”

During the month of March Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties along with other meal programs nationwide, participate in the March for Meals Campaign. This year’s slogan is “So No Senior Goes Hungry.” The Campaign has three primary goals: (1) raise awareness of senior hunger, (2) recruit new volunteers to help address the issue, and (3) raise needed funds to be used at the local level. Meals-on-Wheels is promoting the local program through media outlets and will be have a direct mail campaign mid-March.

“We encourage anyone who would like to help in ending senior hunger, to get involved anyway that you can; whether that be through volunteering, donating, or telling others about our services,” commented Amy Jackson, Director of Development.
Meals-on-Wheels is a community-based, non-profit organization serving the homebound elderly and disabled residents throughout Johnson and Ellis Counties. For more information, contact the Meals-on-Wheels offices, or email at info@mowjec.org.