Meals on Wheels Needs Help Posting Volunteer Lawn Signs

​In May we celebrate and honor the achievements of our nations’ older adults. This proud tradition was established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy who designated May as Senior Citizens Month and encouraged the country to pay tribute to older adults. In 1980 President Jimmy Carter’s proclamation changed the name to Older Americans Month, a time to celebrate those 65 and older.

Meals on Wheels of Syracuse has been feeding homebound seniors for more than 50 years. This year it is providing more than a 10% increase in meals to homebound seniors and disable adults than it did in January 2012.  With this growth of service, the agency needs more volunteers to package meals in their kitchen and deliver meals to the homes of the recipients.

This year, starting in May for Older Americans Month, Meals on Wheels of Syracuse is asking the public to help communicate their need for volunteers and to volunteer to feed our homebound neighbors.  They have created 100 lawn signs announcing their need for volunteers. Anyone willing to place a lawn sign on their front lawn and help get the word out should contact them.

“We thought we would post mini-billboards throughout the Syracuse area with hopes of reaching more people to volunteer,” said Mason Kaufman, Executive Director.  “We know that if frail and disabled seniors can eat properly through home delivered meals, they will have fewer hospitalizations, shorter hospital stays, and be less likely to be placed in nursing homes.  Home delivered meals saves healthcare and taxpayer dollars while keeping people in their homes where they want to be.  But, we need more volunteer help to meet the growing demand,” said Kaufman.

To request a lawn sign or to learn about volunteer opportunities, contact Meals on Wheels of Syracuse at 478-5948 ext: 213 or email volunteer@meals.org