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Local employees give gift to Meals on Wheels—their time
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From The Director - Rebalancing Long Term Care....an update
Local employees give gift to Meals on Wheels—their time
By Roger Suters, Community Services Director
It is often hard to find an appropriate gift for a senior, but as we approach the holiday season a number of generous individuals and corporations in Berkshire County have solved that dilemma by giving something priceless to Berkshire elders— their time.
Supported by a grant made available to nutrition programs, Elder Services has begun to explore ways of supplementing its dedicated group of Meals on Wheels drivers with community volunteers. As the coordinator of this effort, Margie Ware has learned there is genuine interest among individuals and organizations in helping those who have served us so well in the past. Ware noted the contributions of the community volunteers have exceeded the agency's hopes and expectations.
Beginning this past summer, employees from Pittsfield Generating, the North Adams Transcript, Berkshire Life, and GE Plastics joined with Elder Services to deliver hot, nutritious, mid-day meals to some of the county’s 750 frail and homebound elders who receive Meals on Wheels each weekday. As Meals on Wheels drivers, employees and volunteers have experienced the special rewards that give definition to the phrase that they are providing “More than a meal.” In all kinds of weather, along with a delicious meal they bring a smile, and a caring “How are you?”, which for some is the only social contact that day. Very often a special relationship has developed over time.
Participating community volunteers have also learned much about their own communities, and have developed real bonds with those they have served, even though they might volunteer only one day a month. Many of the participants are in their 20s and 30s and may not have thought much about the aging process. Volunteers have been impressed with the resilience of homebound Berkshire elders and have an increased understanding of how Meals on Wheels and other Elder Services programs make it possible for individuals to continue to live independently, with dignity, and with the highest possible quality of life. All the volunteer drivers believe they have received more than they’ve given. The smiles and thanks of elders are the best way to warm up a nippy winter day. And they recognize the life lesson spoken by one volunteer, “We serve so that someday we may be served.”
The North Adams Transcript helps deliver Meals on Wheels through Customer Service Representative Vicky LaCasse. “I think it’s a good experience,” said LaCasse. “There are a lot of people that can’t make their own meals. I have a good feeling when I do it.” Coordinator Becky Paquette of Pittsfield Generating said “The employees here have been very enthusiastic. It’s a wonderful way to learn about the community we live in.”
If your church, synagogue, service organization, fraternal group, or employer is interested in exploring the possibility of “adopting” a meal route or learning more about this community program, call Margaret Ware at 499-0524 or 1-800-544-5242. Together, we can insure that the Berkshire County Meals on Wheels program continues as one of the premiere home delivered meals programs in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.