Wheeling Township Thanks Senior Volunteers Who Are Making a Difference

Older Americans Month was celebrated in May, and Wheeling Township recognizes hundreds of senior volunteers who help to provide vital services to Township residents throughout the year. Thousands of volunteer hours were donated by these volunteers between March 1, 2021 - February 28, 2022 in the Township Food Pantry and through the delivery of food to homebound residents, in addition to providing assistance with tax preparation, answering questions about Medicare and providing overall advocacy.

"We live in an amazingly selfless community," said Wheeling Township Supervisor, Kathleen Penner. "The many senior volunteers who give so freely of their time and compassion for others makes a huge difference for so many residents in this Township. Thanks to their dedication, we are able to positively impact the community even more."

The Food Pantry and the Home Delivered Meal (HDM) Program utilize the largest number of senior volunteers, who also assist with Medicare questions and tax preparation assistance. Statistics on individuals served last year in the different programs, and the commitment made by volunteers, are provided below.

Food Pantry: Volunteers assist residents with shopping, bagging groceries, sorting donations and stocking shelves. The Food Pantry fed more than 7,500 people, of which 1,414 were children under the age of 18. Volunteers to a 3-hour shift every week during one of the 11 weekly shifts, which includes a morning and afternoon shift every day, and a mid-day swing shift on Wednesday.

Julie Villarreal, Director of General Assistance, said, "Our Food Pantry couldn't run without our "senior crew' and we are very grateful for their dedication."

HDM: There were more than 14,600 hot meals delivered by senior volunteers to their homebound counterparts over the age of 60, in addition to disabled individuals over the age of 18. Freshly prepared meals are delivered five days a week, and even on holidays through the program. There are 350 year-round volunteers from the community, as well as 26 local churches that deliver meals during their assigned months.

AARP Tax Aide Program, SHIP and Senior Citizen Advocacy: Other Wheeling Township programs that utilized senior volunteers include the AARP Tax-Aide Program, which utilizes senior volunteers to prepare residents' taxes, SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Program) volunteers, who provide valuable Medicare information and assistance, and the Senior Advisory Board, which is comprised of senior volunteers who represent the interests of senior citizens living in the Township.

For more information about the Township's Home Delivered Meal Program or other Senior Services, email Director of Senior/Disability Services Lynndah Lahey at llahey@wheelingtownship.com. To learn more about the Township's Food Pantry, email Director of General Assistance Julie Villarreal at jvillarreal@wheelingtownship.com. Both individuals can be reached by calling the Township directly at 847-259-7730.

Through its dedication to providing services to residents, whether by helping them maintain their independence, sustain their health, or by offering critical assistance during times of need, Wheeling Township continues to make a significant difference in the community as it has since 1850. For more information, contact the Township at 847-259-7730 or visit wheelingtownship.com