The Polk County Meals on Wheels program is desperately in need of more volunteer drivers to deliver meals to homebound seniors and disabled individuals. It takes between 60 and 90 minutes to deliver a route.

“We have nine routes leaving out of the Columbus facility around 10:30 a.m. every day. In addition, we send three routes out from the Saluda Center and one route out of the Green Creek center,” said Pam Doty, director of the three senior centers in Polk County. “Wherever you live in Polk County, we are delivering meals to your neighbors.”

There are many faithful drivers who take their own route and then pick up another one or two routes just so everyone will receive a nutritious meal every day, Monday through Friday. However, some of these drivers are tired.

“We just need more help,” said Morton Poliakoff, volunteer coordinator. If you can give one day a week or every other week it would be a break for those who drive so much. Even if you can only drive occasionally it would be helpful.

Perhaps you have a group or organization that would be willing to work together to adopt a route. Grab a friend and the two of you can handle the task in tandem.

There is no better way to see beautiful Polk County in all its glory, in all weather conditions while providing for your neighbors. Please contact Morton Poliakoff at 894-0001 to drive from Columbus, Kayla Lewis at 863-2795 to drive from Green Creek, or Donna Carson at 749-9245 to drive from Saluda. Drivers are always needed, especially in the summer when regular drivers take some well-deserved vacation.

– Submitted by Pam Doty