RTC Industries clients who help to deliver Meals-on-Wheels routes in Logan County each week said while they know the warm meal blesses their homebound recipients, they also come way from the delivery day feeling happy to have made a difference.
“Giving back to the community, it just feels good,” Ty Ferguson said Monday.
“I enjoy Meals-on-Wheels,” agreed Mark Mitchell, who said he also participates in volunteer opportunities through Discovery Riders and Aktion Club. “People who are stuck inside, it gets them a nice warm meal. I make sure to tell them, ‘Good morning!’ or ‘Have a good day!’”
To recognize the dedicated clients and staff at RTC Industries who have provided the delivery service now for four years to help area residents remain independent in their homes, Meals-on-Wheels provider LifeCare Alliance honored them Monday with the Community Corporate Partner Spirit Award.
“We couldn’t do this without our volunteers and we are so grateful to each of you,” said Claire Eastman, LifeCare Alliance director of corporate and community engagement, while also presenting gift bags to each of the participants.
“While we couldn’t have our usual group awards luncheon like we usually do this year, I’ve been traveling to each of the counties we serve to present the awards during April, recognizing National Volunteer Month. This year, our theme is ‘Volunteers Help Build Unity in Our Community.’”
Eastman related that fellow Logan County resident Donna Dahlke received the Individual Spirit Award for the county to recognize her volunteer service through Meals-on-Wheels as well.
LifeCare Alliance reports that more than 168,000 volunteer hours are donated annually through the program. The organization serves Meals-on-Wheels in Franklin, Logan, Champaign, Madison and Marion counties.
At RTC Industries, Lisa Manns and Lisa Davidson help to organize the Meals-on-Wheels activities. They said each week, a total of six routes are delivered by the organization from Monday through Wednesday, with approximately 20 to 25 meals delivered per route.
For individuals receiving the delivered meal, it might be the only interaction outside of their home they receive all day, especially in light of the pandemic, a fact that does not escape the notice of the volunteers.
“I take the time to talk to them; I like getting to know them,” said Paul Patterson. “This could happen to anyone, not being able to get out and about anymore.”
Mann said the group members also enjoy when their meal recipients have pets, which adds a light-hearted interaction to their day.
Meals-on-Wheels recipients also are eligible for Senior PetCare, providing food and veterinary care for pets.
To sign up for Meals-on-Wheels, call LifeCare Alliance’s customer service department at (614) 278-3130 or visit their website at www.lifecarealliance.org.
LifeCare Alliance will determine an individual’s eligibility based on the requirements of a variety of funding sources. Participants also may choose to make voluntary contributions toward the cost of services.
Once eligibility has been confirmed, LifeCare Alliance will schedule a start date for meals, in-home support, dietitian services and more.
Additional volunteers are currently being sought to deliver Meals-on-Wheels available to homebound neighbors in Logan County.
LifeCare Alliance is currently recruiting individuals, companies, social clubs, and schools to deliver meals during the lunch hour to older adults homebound individuals who are medically challenged and living with a disability in the community.
Currently, the organization operates hot meal routes five days a week in Logan County, with routes needing to be filled immediately. Individual and corporate volunteers are welcome.
The Adopt-a-Route program provides a unique outreach experience that doubles as an excellent team-building opportunity. Volunteers may adopt a route one day a week, one day a month, or any amount in between.
Any participation level will save LifeCare Alliance the cost of a paid driver, at no expense to participants. All training costs are covered.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities offered by LifeCare Alliance, call 614-444-MEAL (6325) or visit www.lifecarealliance.org.