DATELINE:  PLYMOUTH COUNTY AND AVON, EASTON AND STOUGHTON, MA.   Many frail and home bound elders throughout the community rely on the Nutrition Program at Old Colony Elder Services, Inc. (OCES) in Brockton, a private, non-profit Aging Services Access Point (ASAP) that provides valuable programs and services to elders, their families and caregivers.

But, the non-profit elder services agency needs more volunteers to help prepare and pack meals and deliver them to residents.

"We are in desperate need of Nutrition volunteers.  Right now we are stretched to the limit, with only a few volunteers trying to cover a number of delivery routes so every elder is ensured a healthy meal every day," explained Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

Nutrition volunteers are needed to set up, bag and distribute meals at congregate Nutrition Sites.  Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers are needed to deliver meals to elders throughout the Plymouth county area.  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
can.

OCES' Nutrition Program is designed to enhance elders' quality of life by providing nutritionally sound and satisfying meals. Because the Nutrition Program is primarily federally funded, there is no income-based test; all residents at least 60 years of age and those less than 60 but disabled are eligible.

Anyone who is able to volunteer at a meal site or deliver meals for two hours, at least one to two days a week, please contact the Nutrition Department at OCES at (508) 584-1561.

OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver; Caring Homes and Enhanced Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

About Old Colony Elder Services
Incorporated in 1974, OCES is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

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 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.

The agency has 130 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers.  For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the new website at .