by Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager

We are honoring Jim and Matt Cross, Meals on Wheels drivers for the Sanford Center, as Volunteers of the Month for March.

“The Sanford Activity & Dining Center is truly grateful to have Jim Cross and his son, Matt, as volunteers” states Dawn Powell, Sanford Site Manager. “They are super friendly, caring, and compassionate people. They both have a servant’s heart.” Jim and Matt started delivering meals about 6 years ago. They were looking for something they could do together after Matt had a double lung transplant in 2016. Matt is very lucky to be alive.

They both love people and especially enjoy the population Senior Services serves. Matt used to volunteer at some assisted living facilities in the area and at the Bridge Food Center but, he explains, “I need to be careful who I am around due to the transplant.” “They are full of life, positive energy, encouraging and both have a great sense of humor!” Dawn Powell, Sanford Site Manager says.
I can attest to their good sense of humor. I met them at their home in the middle of a recent power outage which we all found comical. They also told me they continue to volunteer because of the candy Dawn provides them!

Meals on Wheels helps older adults live healthier and more nourished lives in their own homes. As a Meals on Wheels client, you will receive well-balanced, delicious meals delivered to your home, but the friendly volunteers, like Jim and Matt who deliver them will bring a smile and warm hello. Whether you need meals just while you are recovering from an illness or injury or will need Meals on Wheels on a long-term basis, call (989) 633-3700. A Care Coordinator determines Meals on Wheels eligibility through an assessment of the older adult. The Care Coordinator maintains ongoing follow-ups with the older adult and a reassessment of eligibility is necessary every 6 months.

We currently have a great need for Meals on Wheels volunteers in the Coleman and Greendale areas. If you are regularly available one day a week or bi-weekly Monday-Friday from 10 am-1 pm and would like to serve your community, please call Allison (989) 633-3741 for more information.

I asked Jim and Matt what they would say to someone on the fence about volunteering. Jim responded, “Just Do It!” “Volunteering isn’t hard. You meet some great people with amazing life stories.”

Jim retired from HSC and Dow Corning. He has been married to his wife, Gail for 43 years. They have one other son and 3 grandchildren. Jim also serves on the board at Midland’s Open Door. Matt enjoys playing video games, watching sports, and attending NASCAR races and Detroit Tigers games. They are both huge University of Michigan fans which is evident in their attire choice. They told me they planned that!

Thank you, Jim and Matt, for your years of service and hopefully many more! Congratulations on being Senior Services Volunteers of the Month!