MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — Every morning at Monroe County Meals on Wheels headquarters in Hamilton Township, volunteers load up their cars for their routes.
Dale Acker of Stroudsburg has spent many years helping deliver meals to homebound adults across the county.
"My husband did it for years, and he passed away, so I started doing it."
It's the beginning of Community Champion Week, when the nonprofit invites elected officials, business owners, and other community leaders to spend a day volunteering while also raising awareness of the need for more volunteers.
"Our volunteers are the core of the program. They are how the meals get from our office out into the clients' hands. They are the eyes and ears for our clients and some social interaction," said Alyssa Koeck, Monroe County Meals on Wheels executive director.
"If you went out along the route, you'd see these people need help. Most of them live far out and can't make it to the grocery store," Acker said.
Volunteers help serve more than 350 clients, and what they bring to those people is more than just a meal.
"Basically, when you give them the food, you know they are happy to get it and to see you and say a few words," said volunteer Kathy McIntosh.
The nonprofit has about 150 to 200 active volunteers every month but could always use some extra people to help serve its growing client list.
"We've been climbing steadily since the pandemic last year. We broke some records of serving clients monthly and annually. We've continued to see a spike this year, even in times where we usually see a lull," Koeck said.
Click here for some ways you can help.