WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Ill. -- It's meal time for seniors at the Williamson County Programs on Aging Center in Herrin.
The center's Meals on Wheels program delivers meals to seniors who can't get one in person and invites seniors into their building for socializing.
"I enjoy coming here," said Tommie Dunaway, a visitor of the center. "I look forward to seeing my people, my friends. On the weekend, we stay at home, but we're here five days a week."
The program averages 250 people a day, just in Williamson County. Jenny Hagan, the assistant coordinator for Meals on Wheels WCPA, says they need volunteers, as each route is 15-30 people and about two hours.
According to the latest census -- one-third of U-S senior citizens live alone. Hagan hopes the center gives a place for seniors to lessen the mental impacts of that fact.聽
"We just would like for you to be able to have a warm meal," said Hagan. "If you can get to us and socialize, that's even better."
The visits make a difference.
"Seniors sometimes only see the smiling face of the person that's delivering their meals all day long," said Hagan. "When they don't get that, it really is sad."
Jackie Billingsley and her daughter Alexia have been volunteering for 2 years.
"Some of these people, this is probably the only meal that they get," said J. Billingsley. "It's very important that they get their nutrition."
"If they don't answer the door, we try to reach their emergency contact," said her daughter, Alexia. "If that doesn't work, then we will call and have a wellness check done. There are times that we have found people who have fallen."
Hagan says if driving isn't for you, there are other ways to help.
"If you had a service or skill that you wanted to teach seniors at no cost to the seniors, we would appreciate it if you would reach out to us."
Hagan says she needs volunteers for Monday through Wednesday but will accept volunteers for other days too. Call the center at 618-988-1585 if you are interested in volunteering.聽
