A tribute to the real superstars in our community

Even though Justin Timberlake didn’t ultimately bring it on down to Meals on Wheels for a special delivery, we still had a lot of fun trying to make it happen. And we hope you did too!

Thank you to all of you who shared our videos, tweets and Facebook posts in an effort to get Mr. Timberlake to stop by Meals on Wheels while he was here for the Super Bowl. We knew it was a long shot to get Justin to make a cameo as a delivery driver, but our overall goal was to shine a light on the important work of the real superstars – our regular volunteers.

In the week of the Super Bowl alone, our volunteers delivered approximately 19,000 meals to seniors and people with disabilities throughout the Twin Cities. While the game and halftime performance both were incredible, the efforts that our volunteers put in on a daily basis are truly mind-blowing. Our volunteers really Can’t Stop Delivering.

And we could always use more help.

Delivery volunteers

Delivering Meals on Wheels only takes an hour, but the good feelings you get from delivering last much longer. Volunteers pick up the meals at one of more than 30 delivery sites around the metro and deliver to six to 10 people along the way.

Here’s a humorous take on how it works:

Many of our volunteers decide to deliver once a month and route coordinators do their best to put you on the same route each time. This helps you get to know the people you’re delivering to.

Right now, the need for drivers is greatest in Brooklyn Park/Brooklyn Center, Minneapolis, St. Paul and North St. Paul/Maplewood/Oakdale. Learn more about meal delivery or sign up to deliver here.

Kitchen volunteers

If you’re more into working behind the scenes, we are also in need of volunteers at the Meals on Wheels Kitchen of Opportunities. Volunteers at the kitchen help with packaging items for delivery such as fresh fruits, dinner rolls or fresh-baked cookies, and assembling meals for that day’s delivery. Learn more about volunteering at the kitchen here.

This volunteer opportunity doesn’t require access to a vehicle and 1.5- to 2-hour shifts are available 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday to Friday. Sign up for a shift at the Kitchen of Opportunities here.

Join the Meals on Wheels volunteer Facebook group

Whether you’re a new volunteer or have been doing it for years, we invite you to join our new Meals on Wheels Volunteers Facebook Group. We look forward to offering a new way for volunteers to connect with each other, as well as sharing special volunteer opportunities and needs with the group.