Seniors First, Inc. recently launched “Help Fuel Meals On Wheels,” a campaign to offset the cost of gas for the volunteer Meals On Wheels (MOW) drivers. Seniors First, which provides MOW to Orange County senior citizens, is asking for both monetary and $10 gas card donations to reimburse volunteer drivers. The campaign runs from June 1 through June 30.
Rising fuel costs have impacted the nonprofit’s ability to recruit and retain MOW volunteers. Just this year, 10 percent of their drivers have left the program. Seniors First’s MOW program requires more than 300 weekly volunteers. Currently, there are 56 daily routes (with an average of 20 miles per route).
“Volunteers are the life blood of our Meals On Wheels program,” said Marsha Lorenz, president of Seniors First, Inc. “Many of these volunteers, however, are seniors themselves, and live on a limited income. With the spike in gasoline prices, some of these volunteers are finding it difficult to continue delivering.”
To donate to the “Help Fuel Meals On Wheels” gas campaign, please call (407) 581-9366, or email Jan Ingrando at [email protected].
