As a volunteer Meals on Wheels driver out of Spectrum Generations' Belfast Center, I deliver meals each week to seniors who have limited access to the outside world. Through the program, I am able to help them age gracefully in place and combat food insecurity by providing individuals along my route with at least one warm and nutritious meal for each day of the week. 

In addition to delivering meals, an equally important part of the job is to conduct wellness checks, and make sure that my consumers, many of whom become close friends, are doing well. For many, I am the only contact with the outside world each week, so my regular visits are so important. 

For example, while I was out delivering meals one day, I realized that a gentleman along my route wasn't feeling well, but he hadn't gone to the hospital because he had nobody to look after his dog while he got the care that he needed to get better.

I was able to drive him to the hospital and make arrangements for his dog to be looked after while he was away. I was then able to drive him home from the hospital and reunite him with his beloved pet.

As a Meals on Wheels volunteer driver, I am able to make such a difference to so many housebound seniors in our community. I just love being able to reach out to people, help them and show them that they are cared for and loved. My regular visits, company and warm meals provide them with hope. 

If you would like to join me in volunteering to do this important, rewarding work, contact the Spectrum Generations Belfast Center at (207) 338-1190. Together, we can help Waldo County's aging population remain comfortable within their own homes.

Marie Kaplowitz lives in Montville