By WILLIAM CLARK
The Ocean Township Meals on Wheels program is in need of volunteers.
The program, run through the township’s Department of Human Services, is searching for people with reliable vehicles that can dedicate around two hours during one day of the week between 11am and 1pm.
“Volunteering is easy!” said Marion Lynch, outreach coordinator for the department. “All you need is a reliable vehicle, a few hours a week to spare and the willingness to help seniors in our community.”
The department asks that volunteers commit to six months. Any vehicle is acceptable but Lynch cautions that it should be large enough to fit a cooler for about eight to10 meals, especially during the warmer months.
Those that wish to provide donations can do so to Interfaith Neighbors in Asbury Park. Interfaith Neighbors “prepares the meals and sends the referrals for Ocean Township registrants,” Lynch said.
The department, which has been running Meals on Wheels since 1990, also supports the Community Hope Fund Thanksgiving Food Drive where volunteers are needed to sort, pack and deliver boxes to recipients and the holiday Adopt-a-Family programs which matches up volunteers with families in need.
Ocean’s Department of Human Services also offers “crisis and counseling services for children, adults, couples and families who live in Ocean Township,” Lynch said. “These services are provided free of charge.”
Other free services include transportation for local seniors to shopping, medical appointments and fitness.
For families, the department has before and after school childcare as well as summer recreation programs.
For more information about volunteering for the Meals on Wheels program or any other program from the department, please contact Jen Appio at 732-531-2600 or at jappio@oceantwp.org.
