It may be the end of January, but it’s never too late to set meaningful New Year’s resolutions. Volunteering is an excellent way to enrich your life while making a difference in the community. If you haven’t created a resolution yet, consider making 2025 the year you give back.

The Benefits of Volunteering

Volunteering offers a wealth of benefits, not just for those you help but for you as well. Studies from the National Institute on Aging reveal that volunteering can reduce stress, improve mental health, and even boost longevity by fostering a sense of purpose and connection. It’s also a great way to meet new people, develop skills, and strengthen ties within your community.

For Bedford residents, volunteering locally magnifies these benefits by creating a closer, more compassionate network of neighbors helping neighbors.

Why Volunteer with Meals on Wheels?

One of the most impactful ways to volunteer in Bedford is with Meals on Wheels, a nearly 50-year-old all-volunteer service that delivers nutritious meals and companionship to those in need. The organization currently serves 115 clients, and the demand is growing. With an urgent need for at least 10-12 additional volunteers, there are plenty of opportunities to make a difference. Some volunteers even use their lunch breaks as opportunities to give back even during their work days.

“It’s nice. Sometimes the Meals on Wheels people are the only ones [clients] see all week… Sometimes the weather is bad, but for what you do for them, the weather doesn’t matter.” ~ Stan Koci, Mayor, Meals on Wheels Volunteer, Hopper

“Volunteering expresses my gratitude for my blessings by caring for my neighbors. The simple act of delivering a meal and a cheerful hello builds community. I feel I’m building the kind of world I want for myself and all of us. Meals on Wheels is an organizational marvel, making it possible to do my small part. I can drive. My partner can climb stairs. We’ve been a team, delivering meals and smiles, for over 10 years. I often think it’s the most valuable thing I’ve done that day.” ~ Doris Powell, Meals on Wheels Volunteer, Driver

“I do it for the glory of God… It’s taking care of people that can’t take care of themselves. I think that if it wasn’t for us, some of them wouldn’t get a hot meal during the day… There’s nothing better than giving oneself for others… We do it with joy.” ~ Meals on Wheels Volunteer, Food Prep & Driver

Volunteer roles include:

  • Drivers to deliver meals
  • Hoppers, who assist drivers and bring meals to clients
  • Kitchen staff to help prepare meals
  • Friendly Visitors to make wellness calls to clients
  • Pet program assistants to help with pet care and deliveries

“I have been a volunteer for Meals on Wheels for about 7 years… The main reason behind volunteering is to help make sure people in the Bedford school district get a meal… For some people, it’s their only meal of the day… We service mostly the elderly and people on low income… We are always looking for volunteers to help deliver meals… It only takes about an hour of your time every day… It’s very rewarding to see the smiles on people’s faces… You might be the only one they see that day… Other clubs I belong to are the Bedford Lions Club, Bedford City Schools Foundation, and the Bedford Historical Society.” ~ Victor Fluharty, Councilman, Ward 4, Meals on Wheels Volunteer, Driver & Food Delivery

“Volunteering is one way to give back to a community that has given so much to me and my family. Meals on Wheels is the perfect volunteer opportunity; it isn’t difficult, meets a vital need to our neighbors, and has really good people involved. Being a MOW volunteer connects me with our neighbors. Building relationships is an important part of volunteering at MOW. Making weekly connections with the people we deliver food to is the best part of helping at MOW. MOW brings community together to make the community a more compassionate, caring place.” ~ Bret Johnson, Meals on Wheels Volunteer, Driver

Getting Started

Meals on Wheels provides training and support, including a background check and shadowing a veteran volunteer before starting. They seek volunteers who are reliable, kind, patient, and compassionate.

To join this essential service, call Jeanne Sapier at 216-469-7426. Don’t let January slip away without making a resolution that truly matters—volunteer with Meals on Wheels and help build a stronger Bedford community.