AMHERST – Drivers to bring hot meals prepared at the University of Massachusetts to senior citizens, and do a well-being check on those individuals, are needed in Amherst.
With some current drivers experiencing medical issues that make it difficult for them to make deliveries, and two UMass student drivers leaving at the end of April, Senior Center Program Director Maura Plante said Friday that she hopes other residents can step in to help.
“We’re looking for more drivers, particularly with summer coming up and people going on vacation,” Plante said.
Plante said volunteers would work one day a week and should have a reliable vehicle and the ability to carry the insulated bags that contain the hot meal, and a lunch for the following day.
Volunteers pick up the meals at a dining common on the UMass campus at 2:45 p.m. and complete their routes by 5 p.m.
Each driver will receive a $1 reimbursement for each meal delivered.
The program serves 55 to 60 people, all Amherst residents.
Anyone interested in volunteering may contact Plante at plantem@amherstma.gov or 259-3213.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
