JANESVILLE In their post-retirement lives, Janesville residents Jeff and Carol Johnson were seeking an activity to do together, as a couple. They found what they said turned out to be the perfect opportunity in a chance announcement in the newspaper.
Carol Johnson, left, and Jeff Johnson, right, deliver a meal to a recipient.
Courtesy ADRC of Rock County
Jeff and Carol are a part of the volunteer team with the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Rock Countys Nutrition Program, delivering lunchtime meals to homebound seniors.
Carol said the meal delivery volunteer opportunity has been a perfect activity to do with her husband. Early on, the duo developed a system.
Jeff drives, and I usually run the meals in, Carol said. Its a very good thing for us to do. It keeps us on a schedule. We enjoy going together.
The Johnsons are quick to point out their volunteerism is about more than just handing off a meal. While their work helps bring physical nourishment to the seniors in need of meal delivery, it also brings nourishment in the form of day-to-day human contact.
Since they have the same route, and the same recipients each week, Jeff and Carol have the opportunity to get to know the homebound seniors a process that includes gaining knowledge of some of their favorite activities. They make it a point to routinely engage with each person and ask questions about their pastimes of choice.
You get to know them enough where you know what theyre doing, Jeff said. Some of them enjoy doing crossword puzzles, while others like playing cards. Its a nice, short conversation to engage with them.
Carol added, You just walk away from their door feeling so good. People are happy to see you. Its nice to visit with them for a few minutes. They do understand that you have to keep going, so its always short and sweet.
The meal delivery service also is an opportunity to conduct a wellness check on the homebound senior recipients.
We do have a number to call if someone doesnt answer their door, or someones fallen, or someones not home, Jeff said.
The ADRC of Rock Countys Nutrition Program offers a flexible schedule for volunteers. Drivers can commit to one or more days per week. Most routes require an approximately two-hour time commitment, with routes starting at 10:30 a.m.
For Jeff and Carol, they routinely deliver meals on Wednesdays, though they also fill in on other days as needed. The ADRC of Rock Countys meal delivery service takes place weekdays, Monday through Friday.
Carol said she has words of advice for anyone considering, but on the fence, about delivering meals.
Just do it, she said. Its a great way to make a difference. Its an easy, small way to do something for your community. The world needs lots of these little acts of kindness.
The ADRC of Rock County provides mileage reimbursement to volunteers, based on the federal IRS rate, which currently is 70 cents per mile.
For additional information on this volunteer opportunity, call Linda Hardie, ADRC Nutrition Program supervisor, at 608-757-5474.
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