Meals-on-Wheels Celebrates National Volunteer Week

Meals-on-Wheels volunteers who tirelessly work to improve our community will be recognized during National Volunteer Week, April 23 – 29, and are asked to share their volunteer experiences with others. All current volunteers are invited to “Bring A Friend” beginning Monday, April 24 through Friday, April 28, 2006. “This is a great opportunity for our volunteers to share their joy of serving with others,” said Amy Jackson, director of development. In an effort to spread the word about Meals-on-Wheels, as well as acknowledge volunteers for their dedication, there will be a drawing for prizes, and refreshments given throughout the week for those that participate.

National Volunteer Week is sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation (www.pointsoflight.org) and the Volunteer Center National Network. The week is designed for organizations nationwide to thank one of America's most valuable assets – our volunteers – and calling the public's attention to all that they do to improve our communities. “We hope that National Volunteer Week will motivate others to volunteer their time and talent to help our country’s most vulnerable residents – the homeless, the hungry, the elderly, at-risk youth, and the disabled,” said Robert K. Goodwin, president and chief executive officer of the Points of Light Foundation.

The 2006 theme is "Inspire By Example" because it truly reflects the power volunteers have to inspire the people they help, as well as, to inspire others to serve. “And, since the theme of this year’s volunteer week encourages us to be examples to others, we ask that you bring anyone that you care to share Meals-on-Wheels with. That could be a co-worker, a neighbor, friend, or family member,” added Jackson.

National Volunteer Week began in 1974 when President Richard Nixon signed an executive order establishing an annual celebration of volunteering. Every president since has signed a proclamation promoting the week.

Meals-on-Wheels serves over 450 people on a daily basis with the help of people from the local communities. “Volunteers are essential for our program to be successful,” said Jackson. Meals-on-Wheels continues to need additional volunteers to help get meals delivered to the homebound elderly and disabled residents throughout the county.

If you are interested in volunteering or know someone who might need services, please call Meals-on-Wheels at 817-558-2840, 972-351-9943 or email: info@mowjec.org.