by Tina Podboy Laughner, Volunteer & Outreach Manager
Chris and Sue Streeter
Chris and Sue Streeter have been chosen as Volunteers of the Month for October! They have been delivering Meals on Wheels since the fall of 2014. When asked what motivated them to volunteer, they said, “We knew you needed volunteers and we needed something to do. Volunteering for Senior Services is a nice way to give back.” They learned of the need at a Loons game where Senior Services had a display about our services and volunteer needs. Why do they continue? “The people. We get to know them and they are all so appreciative. We feel good doing it.” And they like working for Dawn Powell, Sanford Activity and Dining Center Director. Dawn says, “They are a great couple, cheerful, happy and very caring of the clients. They really have a heart for giving back to the community, having stood by us through two floods. Sue and Chris are everything you would want in a volunteer!!!”
Chris has lived in the Sanford area his whole life, a proud graduate of Meridian Schools. Sue is from Port Huron. They have two children and five grandchildren, all in Midland County. Both of them worked for Dow, Chris as a research biologist and Sue in human resources as compensation manager. They also volunteer for their church and the Sanford Food Pantry. What would they say to encourage others to volunteer for Senior Services? Sue says, “You’d be surprised by what you get back – you feel better about yourself and you appreciate your good health.” Chris adds, “We get more out of it than the clients”
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 donation 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 around 10:30 am and take about two to two and a half hours to deliver. Senior Services has 19 routes that go out each day, Monday through Friday from three of our Activity and Dining Centers, covering the whole county.
Thank you, Sue and Chris, for your giving spirit and years of volunteer help to the older adults of Midland County, and congratulations on being chosen as 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 Tina at (989) 633-3741.
