Meals on Wheels Diablo Region requires proof of Covid-19 vaccination for all staff and volunteers to ensure that the vulnerable population we serve remains healthy and safe.
GET INVOLVED
We love our volunteers because they are the heart and hands of our organization. When you become a volunteer, you are helping local older adults stay healthy, safe, independent, and connected to our community. Plus, volunteering is fun!
We currently have an urgent request for volunteer drivers in East County (including but not limited to: Antioch, Brentwood, Byron, Bay Point, Pittsburg, Rodeo, and Oakley).
Apply online to volunteer for MOW Diablo Region, or download the Volunteer Application form below and fax it to 925.946.1869.
If you prefer speaking to our Volunteer Recruitment Specialist, they reached at volunteer@mowdr.org.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What does a home meal delivery driver do?
Once a week, drivers pick up and deliver 12-16 meals to homebound seniors. Meals are packaged in coolers and are delivered Countywide Monday through Friday between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm. Drivers check in with the seniors we serve and make sure they're healthy and safe. Detailed driving directions are included along with each meal.
Drivers use their own car and must carry personal liability insurance and use a smartphone. Typically, drivers deliver their route one day a week. A meal delivery route can be adopted by a faith community, corporate, or service group, so that each member drives just a few times a year, or more often if they wish.
If you can't commit to every week, don't worry! We rely on a number of relief drivers as well. We contact our relief drivers when one of our regular drivers is unable to deliver. In other words, let us know when you're available, and we won't call you when you're not. Relief drivers are generally called as often as they want, making it a pretty easy commitment to keep.
COVID-19 update: We are currently delivering a week's worth of frozen meals once a week.
What do Friendly Visitors, Friendly Callers, and Friendly Helpers do?
Friendly Visitors visit with a senior once a week for about an hour, at a time that works for both of you. You provide companionship to a senior who may be lonely and isolated. You can play games, read books, go grocery shopping, or simply share stories. When you sign up to be a volunteer, we'll ask you about yourself and what you like to do. Then, we'll match you with a senior who shares your interests and whom we think you'll enjoy. We have a long list of seniors who are waiting to be matched with a Friendly Visitor.
If you prefer to create friendships over the phone, you can become a Friendly Caller, which provides our seniors a connection to another person even though they might not be able to go out.
Another volunteer opportunity is to become a Friendly Helper. Some Friendly Helpers run errands for seniors who are unable to do so for themselves, like grocery shopping, or picking up prescriptions. Clients reimburse the Friendly Helper for all items purchased. Friendly Helpers can also take clients to doctor’s appointments, hair appointments, or grocery shopping.
What does a volunteer at the Café do?
Café volunteers help keep our five lunch sites running, by taking reservations over the phone, helping set up for lunch, greeting diners, or serving food. Each weekday, seniors gather at a Café for a healthy meal in a social setting. The Cafés are located in the following locations:
- Bay Point: Ambrose Center, 3105 Willow Pass Road
- Concord: Senior Center, 2737 Parkside Circle
- Pittsburg: Senior Center, 300 Presidio Lane
- Rodeo: Community Center, 189 Parker Avenue
- Walnut Creek: Hillside Covenant Church, 2060 Magnolia Way
What does an office volunteer do?
There are many ways you can help in our office, located at 1300 Civic Drive in Walnut Creek. Your duties will vary based on your experience and what you feel comfortable doing. You can:
- Do research online or on the phone
- Prepare mailings
- Answer phones
- Help with special projects
- Computer work, databases, or other digital projects
- Photography, video, or digital projects
I don't have very much time, but I want to help. What can I do?
If you don't have much time, we invite you to volunteer at our special events. We always need help with ticket sales, fundraising, and event staffing.