Meals on Wheels looking for volunteers

The Meals on Wheels program in Sidney helps feed between 40 and 50 locals each day.

The volunteers for the program not only deliver healthy meals, but make sure that the person they're delivering to has a home that's in a safe condition. The carriers are trained to deliver and report any issues that they see to let family members or officials if the person they're delivering to is sick or hurt.

According to Kim Langley, the head coordinator for Sidney's Meals on Wheels program, there are 34 volunteers and four delivery routes.

"With the addition of the fourth route, we are in need of more volunteers," Langley said.

The program is based out of the Cheyenne County Community Center, where the meals are cooked and served. One meal a day is delivered Monday through Friday.

Volunteers pick up the meals at the community center between 10:20 and 10:30 a.m. in the Congregate meal room. Each route typically runs between 30 to 45 minutes depending on the actual locations.

"We could not operate this program without our fabulous volunteers," Langley said. "We appreciate each and every one of them. Delivering Meals on Wheels is a great way to give back to the community. I know our clients enjoy visiting with the volunteers. For some of our clients this may be the only people they see all day."

The organization delivers to the homebound or those unable to prepare meals for themselves as well as elderly who are unable to make it to the community center for Congregate meals. Locals interested in getting meals delivered or eating at the Community Center must be over 60 years old and meet certain income requirements to qualify.

Karson Langley, a Meals on Wheels volunteer on fall break from college, encourages younger people to volunteer.

"It doesn't take long to deliver the meals, and it's super easy," Langley said. "It's definitely rewarding to help out. And many of the elderly people love to see you, it really brightens their day."

Locals interested in volunteering must call in advance to receive training about the delivering process.