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 28 – May 2, and are asked to share their volunteer experience with others. All current volunteers are invited to “Bring A Friend” beginning Monday, April 28 through Friday, May 2. “This is a great opportunity for our volunteers to share their joy of serving with others,” said Sarah Drew-Watson, Ellis County volunteer coordinator. In an effort to spread the word about Meals-on-Wheels, as well as acknowledge volunteers for their dedication, there will be refreshments and prizes given throughout the week.

In addition, volunteers are being recognized during National Volunteer Week for their service to Meals-on-Wheels with the Shirle Ayers Volunteer Appreciation Award. This is an annual award recognizing outstanding volunteer service, and is given in memory of Mr. Shirle Ayers, a faithful volunteer for many years. This year’s winners are Sidney and Jean Evans of Ennis, and David Kester of Rio Vista. Click here for their full story. “Just taking a little time out of your day to help out a fellow human being can make all the difference in the world to Meals-on-Wheels clients,” she added.

Meals-on-Wheels serves over 700 people on a daily basis with the help of people from the local communities. “Volunteers are essential for our program to be successful,” said Shelly Burger, Johnson County volunteer coordinator. “Without the ongoing dedication of volunteers, we would not be able to impact the lives of the elderly, disabled, and their families. Thank you for the invaluable service you provide to our homebound clients!” she added. Meals-on-Wheels continues to need additional volunteers to help get meals delivered to the homebound elderly and disabled residents throughout both counties.

The 2008 theme is "Volunteer to Change the World" because it truly reflects the power volunteers have to change the world around them by helping others. “And, since the theme of this year’s volunteer week encourages us to make a difference, we ask that you help make a difference in our community, as well as encourage others to do the same. That could be a co-worker, a neighbor, friend, or family member,” said Amy Jackson, director of development.

National Volunteer Week is sponsored by the Points of Light Foundation 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. 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.