Senior Center needs volunteers

The El Dorado Springs Senior Center is operated by Care Connection for Aging Services, a non-profit Area Agency on Aging serving 13 West Central Missouri counties. Care Connection for Aging Services operate 22 senior centers with the vision that the people we serve will live with maximum independence, respect and dignity. Our mission is to provide resources and services that empower people to create healthy aging experiences.

The El Dorado Springs Center serves delicious, nutritious meals for people 60 and older Monday through Friday. Contributions are important to sustain our meals. However, people 60 and older may enjoy lunch in our dining rooms regardless of their ability to contribute. People younger than 60 are also welcome to enjoy lunch for the actual cost of the meal.

Meals are served daily from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. El Dorado Springs Center patrons also play cards and pool. The center provides practical information about the preventive benefits that Medicare covers and provides education and assistance with Medicare/Medicaid benefits.

Besides serving hot meals at the El Dorado Springs Center, we offer a home-delivered meal program for eligible seniors. During the past year the Center delivered an average of 1,630 meals a month.

Volunteers are the backbone of the Home Delivered Meal program across the country and throughout the Care Connection for Aging Services district. Not only do the volunteers deliver meals to homebound seniors in their local communities, but they also provide the seniors with a warm, friendly smile when they arrive at the door. Home Delivered Meal drivers offer one solution to relieving a family’s worry about a loved one’s eating habits, and inability to cook or drive to the local center.

Timing is flexible for volunteers, but most programs deliver meals before noon on delivery days. Volunteers need reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license and current vehicle insurance. Individuals must be able to lift 20- to 30-pound food packs. Meals are not delivered on weekends, holidays or during inclement weather.

If you, a group or business have a few hours once a month, consider giving that time to your community by delivering meals. If you are interested in volunteering to deliver meals or would like to make a tax-deductible donation to help further seniors meals at the El Dorado Springs Center, please contact Toni Sabol at 417/875-5574.