Make 2013 a Meaningful New Year

By Erin Zastrow, Community Resource Manager
Aging and Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin
It’s that time of year for setting New Year’s Resolutions. According to USA.gov, one of the top New Year’s Resolutions that Americans make is to volunteer to help others. Volunteering your time to help others is good for the community but also good for you. Where to start? Look at your skills and your motivation. Many people want to see the direct impact their volunteering has on others.
One of the best ways to directly impact others is to volunteer to bring home delivered meals to seniors that are homebound. The volunteers can sometimes be the only connection an older adult has with the “outside world” on a regular basis. “I am very thankful for the volunteers. They do an excellent job and it is very nice to talk with someone each day,” says Arlene Bubon, Antigo, about her experience receiving home delivered meals. “If I didn’t get meals, I’m not sure what I would do. I am very thankful for the program.”
The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin operates a Home Delivered Meal Program throughout the four counties they serve- Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon and Wood. So many communities and individuals reap the benefits of committed volunteers. Patricia Heckendorf, Merrill, commented, “I really enjoy the volunteers and the delicious food! Everyone does a really good job. I would volunteer if I could!”
Charlie Huser of Wisconsin Rapids had delivered meals for 8 years and is now a recipient. He knows the benefits of volunteering and also of receiving. “They are doing a good job!” Charlie says about the volunteers. “Everyone comes in with their own personalities but they all bring so much happiness,” says Betty Huglin, Wausau, echoing the others. She sums up her positive experience with “The food is so good with plentiful portions and the volunteers do a wonderful job.”
Call the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Central Wisconsin to learn more about volunteering 888-486-9545 or visit www.adrc-cw.com for more information.