[SCV Senior Center] – As part of its mission to provide meals to local seniors, the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center is seeking five additional volunteer drivers for its Home-Delivered Meals program.

The program serves homebound seniors, providing them with meals five days a week. Drivers deliver meals to 10 different routes throughout the valley. Last year, Home-Delivered Meals drivers delivered about 80,000 meals to 750 individuals. The program is overseen by Robert Galarza, who is also the Senior Center’s director of transportation.

“We are looking for kind-hearted volunteer drivers,” Galarza said. “Your volunteer efforts, whether big or small, make a tremendous difference to those you help.”

In addition to providing food, the Home-Delivered Meals program also provides vital social interaction for seniors. For many homebound seniors, seeing a volunteer driver is perhaps the only daily, face-to-face personal interaction they have. This allows drivers an opportunity to ensure homebound seniors are safe and healthy.

“The Home-Delivered Meals program is critical for homebound seniors, allowing them to remain in their homes and preventing premature institutionalization,” said Robin Clough, the center’s director of volunteers and recreation. “Volunteer drivers deliver so much more than a meal. They are a friendly face and a lifeline, enhancing quality of life for our most frail.”

Volunteer drivers must be at least 21 years of age, have a valid driver’s license and commit to as little as one day a week, or even one day a month. The hours are Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to noon. A delivery route typically takes about an hour to complete. Vehicles and training are provided. For more information, contact Robin Clough at (661) 259-9444, ext. 110, or email rclough@scv-seniorcenter.org.