Volunteer Story

Volunteer Groups: Together, They Deliver

BY AYLIN ISMAYILOVA

 

At Meals on Wheels of Mercer County, our infamous tagline is "Together, We Deliver." Our volunteers come as singles, doubles, and groups, all working together to deliver the over 400 meals we serve every day. We have several groups that volunteer their time regularly and have grown very close to our organization.

 

Life Choices Unlimited in Hamilton is a comprehensive day program serving adults with special needs and disabilities. Robert Plumser, the coordinator in charge, has brought his group to volunteer with MOWMC for about two years.

 

"We're always looking for volunteer opportunities and meal delivery is one of the easiest for us to find," Robert said. "It's hard for us to find something that allows us to be a fit."

 

Couriers (Life Choices Unlimited) passing meals to

volunteer at the Princeton Shopping Center

 

The group consistently does the Princeton Drop-Off at the Princeton Shopping Center: picking up meals from Rider University for volunteers who are local to the Princeton area. The trade-off of coolers and insulated bags makes for an efficient delivery for volunteers who have a limited time frame.

 

"They like interacting with whoever we're dropping off the meals to. They've gotten to know those volunteers and they enjoy talking to them," Robert added.

 

From his perspective, Robert has seen how much his clients enjoy giving back to the community and connecting with others while they’re out on their routes. Even something as simple as receiving Meals on Wheels of Mercer County goodies helps them feel part of something bigger. On their assigned day, the group proudly wears their MOWMC shirts, badges, and more, showing their enthusiasm and sense of belonging.

 

"They love getting their little badges," Gail Plumser, the owner and executive director of Life Choices Unlimited, said. "The other day they got ponchos, and they go home with such pride. They love it."

 

(Left to right) Gail Plumser, volunteer Nupur, Robert Plumser,

volunteer Kym, and volunteer Tommy at Rider University