BOUNTIFUL — Don Jensen says the best part about driving a Meals on Wheels van is the chance to serve people.
Jensen, a Bountiful resident, has volunteered to drive a van for the program for the past five years, with a short break along the way.
Jensen is just one of a cadre of volunteers who serve at the Golden Years Center.
Because more people are working longer, the number of volunteers at the center has dropped and that has hurt the center’s operation.
“We’re desperate for volunteers,” said Karen Henderson, senior activity manager at the center.
“When I retired, I came to the Golden Years to play pinochle and chess,” Jensen said. “One day while I was playing chess someone asked me ‘How would you like to drive a Meals on Wheels van?’ I told him I’d talk to my wife, and she thought it was a great idea,” he said.
Barbara Bramer served as a Meals on Wheels “runner,” (the person who takes the meals from the van into the recipient’s home) until she had knee problems.
She enjoyed her time as a runner.
“Some of these people (who receive Meals on Wheels) go all day without anybody checking on them,” she said. “They’re so happy to see you,” she said.
Bramer became involved because she had some time on her hands, and no job at the time.
She occasionally goes out as a runner when the center is short-handed.
“It makes you feel good. “The big word is love,” she said.
For more information check out the Sept.6 edition of Davis Clipper.
Post a Comment
