by Allison Rossi Utter, Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager
Sandy Maier and Kevin Davis are being honored as Volunteers of the Month for May for their work in the Nutrition Department. They have been volunteering for Senior Services since 2014 and have given over 4,400 hours of service. Sandy explained, “Kevin wanted to help in the community. He has always had a rapport with seniors.” Sandy is Kevin’s support staff person through Personal Assistance Options. They are a local person-driven non-profit organization that provides services and supports based on client’s personal needs and goals. Sandy has worked with the agency for 26 years and with Kevin for 15 of those years.
Sandy and Kevin make a great team which is very helpful when delivering Meals on Wheels. Sandy is the driver and navigator while Kevin is the one that actually delivers the meals to the clients. Elizabeth Baldwin, Nutrition Systems Coordinator reports, “I would say they are some of our most loyal, steadfast and versatile volunteers. Sandy is very knowledgeable about Midland county roads and we can feel confident sending her on any route. She is very thorough with documentation. We have also received positive feedback from clients regarding how courteous Kevin is.” Sandy advised, “When I have delivered meals by myself, people always wonder where Kevin is and how he is doing.” They also delivered to clients during the peak of the pandemic while we were closed. They provided for clients who did not have enough food to last them thru the closure.
Michele Burkett, Food Service Coordinator says, “They are very dedicated and not only volunteer for Meals on Wheels three days a week but help with cleaning and sanitizing tables in the Trailside dining room along with monthly deliveries of the Midland Prime Times newspaper. Both Sandy and Kevin are always willing to fill in whenever there is a need. They are willing to go the extra mile to ensure our clients not only get the meal they need but the caring conversation they enjoy.”
Meals on Wheels helps older adults live healthier and more nourished lives in their own homes. As a Meals on Wheels client, you will you receive well-balanced, delicious meals delivered to your home, by the friendly volunteers, like Sandy and Kevin. 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 with the older adult. The Care Coordinator maintains on-going follow up 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 at (989) 633-3741 for more information.
When asked how they would encourage others to volunteer, Kevin answers, “Volunteering makes you feel good. It is good to interact with people in your community and build relationships with them.” Sandy commented that she is happy with the personal growth she has seen in Kevin from volunteering.
Sandy grew up in Freeland and now lives in Sanford. When she isn’t working, she runs a concession trailer at fairs and festivals that her father started back in the late 1980s selling custom made items. Sandy is also very involved in the Midland Eagles. Kevin has lived in Midland all of his life. He has many brothers and sisters. In his spare time he enjoys participating in the Special Olympics, taking music classes at Creative 360 and attending Loons baseball games. Sandy and Kevin also volunteer at MyMichigan selling popcorn and Kevin has his own show on MCTV.
Thank you Sandy and Kevin for all that you do to serve the older adults in our community! Congratulations on being chosen as the Volunteers of the Month!