Help us celebrate 50 years of fueling lives by filling 50 adopted meal routes in 2024.
As we mark this incredible milestone, we’re inviting businesses, churches, community groups, families, and even individuals to join us in our mission to provide one well-balanced hot meal a day each weekday to individuals who are unable to prepare meals for themselves and have no one to prepare one hot meal a day for them. By adopting a meal delivery route, you’ll not only provide essential nourishment but also bring companionship and support to those who need it most. Your dedication, whether it’s a few hours each week or month, creates a profound impact, spreading kindness throughout our community.
What Does Adopting a Route Mean?
This entails having an assigned day of the week, a recurring monthly date, or even an entire route that volunteers adopt as their own. Typically, one person from the group or organization is designated as the route’s chairperson, collaborating with their team to ensure all volunteer duties for their assigned date or route are fulfilled.
Who Can Adopt a Route?
- Businesses
- Churches
- Community Groups
- Organizations
- Industry Teams
- Individuals
What Are My Options?
- Specific day of the week
- Specific week of the month
- Recurring monthly date/day
- Cover an entire route (all days during a committed time frame)
What is the Duration of Adopted Commitments?
We ask for commitments ranging from a minimum of six months to one year. This time-frame ensures stability in covering our 30 daily meal routes and assists us in our planning efforts.
Benefits for CMOW volunteers
Volunteering for Meals on Wheels not only benefits the recipients but also enriches the lives of volunteers by providing opportunities for personal growth, community connection, and the satisfaction of making a positive impact.
- Sense of Purpose: Volunteering for Meals on Wheels provides individuals with a sense of purpose and fulfillment by directly impacting the lives of vulnerable individuals in their community. Knowing that they are making a difference in someone’s life can be incredibly rewarding.
- Community Connection: Volunteering for Meals on Wheels fosters a sense of connection with the community. Volunteers often build relationships not only with the recipients they serve but also with fellow volunteers and staff members, creating a supportive network.
- Flexibility: Meals on Wheels volunteering typically offers flexible scheduling options, allowing volunteers to choose times that fit their availability. This flexibility makes it easier for individuals to integrate volunteering into their busy lives.
- Physical Activity: Delivering meals involves physical activity, such as walking or driving, which can contribute to volunteers’ overall health and well-being. It provides an opportunity for exercise while engaging in meaningful work.
- Skill Development: Volunteering for Meals on Wheels can help volunteers develop valuable skills such as communication, organization, time management, and problem-solving. These skills are transferable and can be beneficial in various aspects of life, including professional and personal settings.
- Personal Growth: Engaging in volunteer work, particularly with vulnerable populations, can promote personal growth and empathy. Volunteers often gain a deeper understanding of social issues and develop greater compassion and empathy towards others.
- Recognition and Appreciation: Meals on Wheels volunteers are typically appreciated and recognized for their contributions to the community. This acknowledgment can boost volunteers’ self-esteem and morale, reinforcing their commitment to the cause.
- Learning Opportunities: Volunteering for Meals on Wheels exposes volunteers to diverse experiences and perspectives. They may learn about different cultures, lifestyles, and challenges faced by the individuals they serve, broadening their understanding of the world.
- Stress Reduction: Engaging in altruistic activities like volunteering has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve overall mental well-being. The act of giving back to others can provide a sense of fulfillment and happiness.
- Networking: Volunteering for Meals on Wheels offers opportunities to network with individuals from various backgrounds, including fellow volunteers, recipients, and community members. These connections can lead to new friendships, support systems, and even professional opportunities.
Empowering Solutions to Overcome Hurdles in Meal Delivery Commitments
- Collaborate with other small businesses or groups to cover a route together, allowing each member to take turns and share the commitment.
- Partner with professionals in your industry or community organizations to form a team dedicated to delivering meals, fostering a sense of camaraderie and community engagement.
- Utilize the ServTracker Mobile Meals app for convenient navigation and seamless delivery, ensuring that you can easily find your designated delivery locations.
- Choose routes that are conveniently located in Concord, Kannapolis, Mount Pleasant, or opt for courier routes with single drop-off points in Midland, Mount Pleasant, and Harrisburg.
- Simplify the process by bringing your own coolers and swapping route contents at pick-up, eliminating the need to return coolers to the CMOW office after delivery.
Community Heroes: Thank You for Your Support
We cannot thank the following businesses, organizations, and individuals enough for their commitment to the homebound seniors and disabled adults in our community! With your help, we can continue to fight senior hunger in Cabarrus County and let our seniors know someone cares.
