LEONARDTOWN, Md. — The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County recognized longtime Home-Delivered Meals volunteers during their July 21 meeting, honoring more than two decades of service to homebound older adults throughout the county.
The volunteers were recognized for 20 years of outstanding and dedicated service with the program, which provides nutritious meals and regular visits to approximately 250 homebound seniors.
More Than a Meal
Danielle Manalansan, Home-Delivered Meals program coordinator for the St. Mary’s County Department of Aging & Human Services, thanked the commissioners for recognizing volunteers whose service has quietly improved the lives of local seniors.
“The Home-Delivered Meals Program is privileged to serve approximately 250 homebound senior citizens throughout our county by providing nutritious, well-balanced meals that help older adults remain healthy, independent and safely in their own homes,” Manalansan said.
While providing nutritious food is central to the program’s mission, Manalansan said volunteers often deliver something equally important: companionship.
“Each weekday, our dedicated volunteers travel the county roads and visit neighborhoods, delivering much more than a meal,” she said. “They deliver a warm smile, a friendly conversation, reassurance that someone cares, and often the only meaningful social interaction a senior may receive that day.”
Those visits help reduce isolation while reminding homebound residents that they remain valued members of the community, she said.
Two Decades of Service
Manalansan said 20 years of volunteering represents thousands of delivered meals, countless miles traveled and immeasurable acts of kindness shared with some of the county’s most vulnerable residents.
“On behalf of the Home-Delivered Meals staff and the hundreds of seniors whose lives have been touched by your generosity, thank you for your unwavering commitment, your generous hearts and your extraordinary example of community service,” she said.
The commissioners praised the honorees for their diligent work and said they had earned the community’s gratitude, respect and admiration.
How To Learn More
The Home-Delivered Meals Program serves St. Mary’s County residents age 60 and older who are homebound, unable to shop or prepare meals for themselves, and do not have someone available to prepare meals for them.
Meals are provided without charge, although donations are accepted to help sustain the program. Residents interested in receiving meals or volunteering as a delivery driver may contact Manalansan at 301-475-4200, ext. 1060, or visit the county’s Home-Delivered Meals webpage.
Watch the full recognition below at 4:29:
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