by Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager
Larry and Margaret Ault have been chosen as Volunteers of the Month for March! They have been delivering Meals on Wheels since approximately 2000. Although Margaret recalls, “I started delivering meals before Larry did. I started by picking up meals from the hospital and delivering them to patients being discharged home.” When asked what motivated them to volunteer, they said, “We had friends that delivered and knew the need for more volunteers. We needed something to do together. Senior Services provides important services to older adults in the county.” Larry states, “We have enjoyed delivering all these years and will continue to do so for as long as we can.” Elizabeth Baldwin, Nutrition Systems Coordinator says, “Larry and Margaret are very deserving volunteers. They are always very reliable and thorough with documentation. They project a professional and caring manner. They both are a vital asset to Senior Services and the community.” Larry explained, “We have delivered the Northwest route from the beginning which includes our neighborhood. As needed, we will sub on other routes too. Meals on Wheels is a very organized program. The staff are very helpful and do an outstanding job which helps when delivering the meals.”
Larry and Margaret met at the First United Methodist Young Adult Group shortly after moving to Midland. They have been married for 58 years. They have two sons and three grandchildren. Larry worked at Dow Corning as a Chemical Engineer and Margaret was an Elementary Teacher. Larry is a Representative Payee for a gentleman in the community. He also was a volunteer for the AARP Tax Assistance program and the Medicare/Medicaid Assistance program. Margaret has been a volunteer at their Church and enjoys reading.
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 waiting 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 the older adults, providing a hot meal and a friendly face. Meals on Wheels routes usually start around 10:30 am and take on average, two hours to deliver. Senior Services has 21 routes that go out weekdays from four of our Activity and Dining Centers, covering the entire county.
Thank you, Larry and Margaret, for your giving spirit and years of volunteer help to the older adults of Midland County. 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.
WELCOME New Volunteers
Tena Baar
Richard Brubaker
John Hollingsworth
Margaret Joshi
Kristin Lance
Mariah Lillie
Joni Pilaske
Patty Wood
We Need Volunteer Helpers!
Senior Services is in great need of drivers for Meals on Wheels in Greendale, especially for Tuesday routes. Routes available M-F from 10 am-1 pm. Mileage is reimbursed and you’ll receive a FREE lunch! Consider joining our Volunteer Team!
We are also in need of:
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.- Shared Food Delivery Driver
Every other Friday. Driver leaves between 7-8 am but the time can be more flexible if needed. Driver uses agency van and travels to Sanford, Coleman and Greendale Centers dropping needed products. - 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.
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.
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.