Traditionally, "Mayors For Meals Day", an annual national campaign with participation from more than 1,000 mayors across the country, is held in March on the date designated by the Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA). Due to scheduling conflicts, the event in Brockton is planned for April 29th.
Mayor Balzotti and OCES staff members will deliver the noontime meals to Meals On Wheels clients at their homes.
Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) of Brockton participates in this campaign each year, which is designed to increase public awareness, recruit new volunteers and encourage local fundraising.
"We have many seniors in Brockton who are unable to get to the grocery store or to one of our congregate meal sites. The Meals On Wheels program is absolutely essential to them as they would otherwise not get a nutritious daily meal," noted OCES Executive Director Diana DiGiorgi.
The Meals On Wheels program serves Brockton residents age 60 and over, as well as disabled residents under 60. Both the Meals On Wheels program and the congregate meal sites rely on help from volunteers . Meals On Wheels currently needs volunteer drivers to deliver meals to elders throughout the Brockton area. Volunteer drivers typically deliver 15-20 meals a day, between 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. and are reimbursed for mileage. Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday, yet they may help out for any number of days per week that they desire.
Volunteers are also needed to set up, bag and distribute meals at the Belair, Manning, Caffrey and Campello congregate meal sites.
Anyone who is interested in volunteering at least two hours per week as a Meals On Wheels driver or as a helper at one of the congregate meal sites, contact Shawn Smith, Nutrition Director at OCES at (508) 584-1561.
About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, OCES is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The organization's mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.
OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.
OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.
The agency has 140 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at .
