Meals on Wheels drivers needed for Marble Falls, Burnet deliveries

JENNIFER FIERRO • STAFF WRITER

BURNET — The Burnet County Meals on Wheels isn’t simply about delivering a hot, nutritious and delicious meal to elderly residents.

It’s also about serving those who usually have little contact with another person on a daily basis.

“The seniors we serve, it’s heartfelt what they say about our volunteers,” said Marla Miller, program director of Meals on Wheels of Williamson and Burnet County Opportunities. “That’s the only person they see at all that day.”

But to be that someone for the elderly, Meals on Wheels needs volunteer drivers for the Marble Falls and Burnet areas.

“We can’t do this program without community support,” Miller said. “There are seniors who are unable to get around, shop and cook.”

Drivers need to be 18 or older and must pass a criminal background check and be open to committing to volunteering for six months. Miller said that can be as little as once a week or once every other week.

There’s also a training session on sanitation, confidentiality and knowing how to safely work with the elderly.

Most volunteers enjoy having a set schedule that makes it easier to plan their weeks. That’s also easier for staff members. That way they don’t have to worry about delivering meals themselves.

“We’re very flexible with how we work with volunteers,” Miller said. “The more consistent people can be, the easier it is for us to know every senior will get fed.”

Drivers go to the Meals on Wheels facility to pick up a cooler filled with meals, deliver them, then return the empty cooler.

“We couldn’t do it without our volunteers, and the consistent attendance is so critical,” Miller said. “The seniors look at those volunteers and form a connection.”

Those who can get out usually congregate to the Meals on Wheels serving facility. In Marble Falls, that’s at the Boys & Girls Club of the Highland Lakes, 1701 Broadway.

“It’s that connection for seniors who don’t have folks or their family is too far away,” Miller said.

She noted some people have volunteered for several years because of their fondness for the program and those who are grateful for the meals and the chance to talk to someone if only for a few seconds.

“(Volunteers) get as much out of it as what they put into it,” Miller said. “Our volunteers love our staff, and they love seeing our seniors. It really is a win-win for everybody.”

Call Miller at (512) 763-1400 for more information.

jfierro@thepicayune.com