by Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager
Senior Services Volunteer of the Month for July is Tom Mayhew. Tom volunteers at the Coleman Activity and Dining Center driving for Meals on Wheels. He has been volunteering in that capacity since December 2019. He has over 172 hours driving the out town route in Coleman. He not only delivers a hot meal to clients but also provides a kind demeanor and listening ear they can rely on. Sheryl Watson, Coleman Activity and Dining Center Director raves about Tom! She says, “I love having Tom as a volunteer! He is very conscientious and caring with the seniors.”
When asked why he volunteers, Tom replied, “I wanted to give back to my community that helped me when I had a kidney transplant years ago.” Tom explained that he was born and raised in Coleman, he has lived here all of his life. He continued, “I know the area and know that there is a great need here.”
He became choked up when I asked him why he continues to volunteer at Senior Services. Tom replied, “I feel like I am their protector. I have gotten to know the clients and they will tell you everything. You become part of their family.” Tom shared a story how he saw an unsafe situation that was concerning to him while delivering a meal to a client. He shared the situation with Sheryl. Tom explained that the following week when he delivered to the same client, the unsafe situation had been taken care of and a safer solution was put in place. Sheryl concludes that, “Tom notices things that may not seem right and will report back right away so that we can check on those folks. He takes his volunteer job very seriously and can always be depended on to do the job right and with compassion.”
Tom retired from Delfield after 37 years. He has also been married to his wife, Shari for the same amount of time. They have two grown sons along with 2 granddaughters and 1 grandson. Tom enjoys rabbit hunting with his 3 Beagles along with raising chickens. He has been a volunteer coach for Little League and football in the past.
Meals on Wheels helps older adults live healthier and more nourished lives in their own homes by providing nutritious, well-balanced meals. Seniors can find comfort in knowing that a good meal and a friendly face will come with every visit. Every Meals on Wheels client is connected with a Care Coordinator. A Care Coordinator works in partnership with each older adult and their family to take the guesswork out of identifying needs and coordinating services such as Meals on Wheels or any of the other wonderful services that we offer. If you are interested in these services or others that we offer, please call Senior Services at (989) 633-3700. To get started volunteering please contact Allison at (989) 633-3741.
Thank you Tom for your dedication to Senior Services Meals on Wheels clients! We really appreciate your volunteer spirit. Congratulations on being chosen Volunteer of the Month!
We Need Volunteers!
Senior Services is in need of Seasons Adult Day Volunteers, Friendly Visitor, Shopping, Meals on Wheels drivers, Transportation drivers, Team Handyman and Activity & Dining Centers/Seasons Entertainers (Do you play an instrument? Magic? Puppets?).
If you choose to volunteer with us, you will be embarking on a rewarding adventure that will have a huge impact on the older adults of Midland County! And you will join one of the finest groups of people we know – our experienced, trusted and valued volunteers!
Visit us at www.SeniorServicesMidland.org to fill out a volunteer contact form or call Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer and Community Outreach Manager, at 989-633-3741.