by Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager
Dave and Pat Huschke have been chosen as Volunteers of the Month for July for their assistance delivering Meals on Wheels. Pat has been delivering since 2001. Pat jokes, “I needed an Alpha dog to assist, so Dave decided to help me. He started a few years later.” Combined they have provided Senior Services with over 3,530 volunteer hours! Elizabeth Baldwin, Nutrition Systems Coordinator says, “Dave and Pat’s commitment to the Meals on Wheels program has been immense. It is amazing that they have been volunteering for 23 years!” When asked what motivated them to volunteer, they said, “We enjoy giving back. Volunteering allows us to meet interesting people we wouldn’t otherwise.” Why do they continue to volunteer? “The friendships you make. You get to know the clients on the routes.” Dave drives and Pat will deliver the meals, unless there is a dog, then the Alpha dog, Dave will deliver. Elizabeth shares, “They bring infectious cheerfulness, flexibility and servant hearts to their volunteering. They are reliable and a true joy to have on our team!”
Dave and Pat are both farm kids originally from Minnesota. They moved to Midland in 1975 for Dave’s job. He worked as an Engineer for Dow for 31 years. This month, they have been married for 63 years. They have 8 children, 16 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Pat also volunteers at The Open Door. She enjoys working in the yard and Dave can be found in his shop, always building something. What would they say to encourage others to volunteer for Senior Services? “Volunteering at Senior Services teaches you how to age. There is so much to learn and there is something for everybody.”
The Meals on Wheels program provides delicious, nutritious, well-balanced meals, planned and approved by a Registered Dietitian. Eligibility is determined by a Care Coordinator. There is no wait list for Meals on Wheels, and short term as well as long term service is available. There is no income requirement and meals are offered on a suggested contribution basis. Meals on Wheels drivers are sometimes the only daily contact for clients, providing a hot meal & a friendly face. Meals on Wheels routes usually start between 10-10:30 am and take on average two hours to deliver. Senior Services has 21 routes that go out weekdays, from 4 of our Activity and Dining Centers, covering the whole county.
Thank you, Dave and Pat, for your giving spirit and years of volunteer help to the older adults of Midland County and congratulations on being chosen as the Volunteers of the Month! If you are in need of any of the programs and services that Senior Services offers, call (989) 633-3700. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, call Allison at (989) 633-3741 or visit us online at SeniorServicesMidland.org/volunteer.
We Need Volunteer Helpers!
Senior Services is always in need of volunteers. 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! We hope you’ll consider joining our team of experienced, trusted and valued volunteers.
Our current areas of greatest need are:
- Friendly Visitors/Shopping Volunteers – Visit, call, shop and more for an older adult in need. This is a great opportunity for working people and is flexibly scheduled.
- Senior Safety Team – Assist older adults in keeping their homes in a safe and secure condition by performing jobs and monthly services. Time commitment would be 1 to 2 days per month. Mileage is reimbursed.
- Transportation Drivers – Our volunteer drivers provide “arm to lean on” door-to-door service throughout the entire county of Midland making it easier for older adults to get to doctor’s appointments, a ride to the grocery store, and more.
- Meals on Wheels in Greendale and Coleman routes – Routes available M-F from 10 am-1 pm. Mileage is reimbursed and you’ll receive a FREE lunch!
Visit us at SeniorServicesMidland.org/volunteer to fill out a contact form or call Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer and Community Outreach Manager, at 989-633-3741.
WELCOME New Volunteers
Robin Glenn
Lora Keenan
Ellen King
Brett Raymond
Robert Russell
Kayleigh Urbanczyk
