Volunteering with Meals on Wheels - a Personal Essay

Juanita A. James

Expectations on MACOA

Alabama State University

March 14, 2018

        My thoughts on participating with meals on wheels are greater than any. My vision was very broad before I became knowledgeable of what meals on wheels was. Without thinking about it; meals on wheels sound like people driving around to the homeless passing around food. I also thought that this organization was just for people that couldn’t afford food each day. Meals on wheels is a program that operates Monday through Friday, and delivers meals to elderly people and people who are on welfare. My thoughts for everything changed when those same vehicles pulled up to my home as a child. My mom then explained to me then why they came, and we understood (myself and siblings) my mother’s struggle as a single parent.

When I got older I felt like it was my duty to go back to meals on wheels and help my community as they helped my family.  This program also give people a sense of security, especially elderly people who aren’t prepare food on their own. From my understanding, there are over 500 people in the Montgomery county that’s on the waiting list for hot meals. Those that are placed on the waiting list will be placed in the Frozen meal program which is temporary until they are selected to be accepted into the hot meal program. This also put comfort in my heart knowing that we (the volunteers) are sometimes the only people that some elders see each day. To know that I can be a significant impact on someone’s life, and to also leave knowing that I put a smile on someone’s face touches my heart.

I have a very strong passion for helping others, especially those who are struggling to help themselves. I guess that’s why I chose to follow my heart and continue my education in social work. Volunteering with meals on wheels is something that I would never hesitate doing, I just know I would do it without anyone asking. I know it’s off subject but while living in Mobile I gained a strong love for elders while working in Mobile Infirmary Medical Center. I sat for many hours feeding, combing hair, and at times just sitting down talking to them. One thing that I can say is that I’m very thankful that I did so. My grandmother also explained to me how proud she was of me for doing that. To know that she was proud of me before she passed away made me feel like I accomplished everything that she taught me in my earlier years.