Volunteer Voice Fall 2019

November 20, 2019

FALL 2019

Ang Nelson • Volunteer Coordinator • Angela.Nelson@ccstcloud.org • 320.229.4590

Catholic Charities Senior Dining has been providing services in the St. Cloud area since 1965. Meals on Wheels, a program of Catholic Charities, provides a hot meal five days a week for persons who are homebound or in need of rehabilitation time while receiving cancer treatments, or following surgery, injury or illness.

Senior Dining ensures that any senior 60 or better has access to a daily meal regardless of their ability or willingness to pay. To do this we depend on volunteers who help with the distribution of meals within the program. Volunteer drivers are needed to deliver meals to the homes of seniors who are homebound; not only do they provide a daily hot, nutritious meal, but also an informal safety check to make sure the person is physically able to come to the door. For some, this volunteer may be the only person a senior sees that day. That brief interaction helps to combat isolation and loneliness. Volunteer drivers play a critical role in the program and the lives of seniors!

Donald “Buzz” Buzzell has been a volunteer with Meals on Wheels for more than 10 years, volunteering two days a week. Buzz signed up to be a volunteer with Catholic Charities because he had the time available and he loves interacting with others. He encourages others to volunteer because he has found that it is a great opportunity to socialize with the Meals on Wheels recipients and with other drivers. He has made many new friends and met some interesting people while delivering meals. Not only has volunteering with Meals on Wheels enriched Buzz’s life, but there have been countless seniors over the years who attribute the Meals on Wheels experience to a better quality of life. None of this would be possible without volunteers like Buzz!

Meals on Wheels has an ongoing need for volunteer drivers in many of our communities. We also have an ongoing need for volunteers to help with meal service at our congregate dining sites. Without our volunteers, we would not be able to provide the kind of service and personal touch we take pride in.

New to our program is the opportunity to volunteer for food pick up at local Kwik Trip locations and delivery to our dining locations. Kwik Trip’s excess inventory is donated to the program and used in the preparation of meals. On Tuesdays and Fridays we have a need for individuals to pick up food items between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at multiple Kwik Trip locations. The donated food is then delivered to our Roosevelt Road location to be further distributed throughout Senior Dining communities.

If you have an interest in volunteering with Senior Dining, please visit the Catholic Charities website at ccstcloud.org and click on the Volunteer tab to sign up. The seniors in our community are counting on you!

LOOKING FOR A VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY?

Check out our current volunteer needs at ccstcloud.org/volunteer

Volunteer Voice is a publication for volunteers of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud

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By Brittany Hoversten • March 13, 2025
On Tuesday, January 28th, a group of students from Trex North School visited Pond View Estates in Albany, organized by Sandy Baldwin, group leader, and in collaboration with Catholic Charities in St. Cloud. Julie Ueland, the student advisor, helped oversee the project to ensure everything went smoothly. Pond View Estates is a Senior Dining Congregate Kitchen, where seniors gather to enjoy meals and socialize, making it a perfect environment for these students to connect with the residents. When the students arrived, the residents were delighted by the youthful energy and enthusiasm they brought. The students quickly got to work helping the seniors create Valentine’s cards before lunch. The atmosphere was filled with creativity and laughter as everyone worked together to make colorful and thoughtful cards. Afterward, the group enjoyed lunch together, where the dining hall was full of lively conversation. The students interacted with the seniors, hearing their stories and building new connections. The visit bridged generations, fostering meaningful and joyful interactions. The highlight of the day was the bingo game that followed lunch, where excitement filled the room as the numbers were called. Friendly competition brought plenty of laughs, especially when someone was just one number away from winning, only for another participant to grab the prize first. The fun, camaraderie, and shared moments left everyone smiling. A few standout interactions included Joseph and Riley spending time with resident Victor Tschida, and Tianna sharing a special moment with resident Ken Bunger. These connections highlighted the deep impact of intergenerational friendships. For many of the residents, the visit from the students was an unexpected but cherished experience, reminding everyone of the importance of making time for one another. It was a beautiful day of fostering community, connection, and kindness. As the students prepared to leave, there was a sense of fulfillment in the air. Not only had the day brightened the seniors' lives, but it also left a lasting impression on the students, who gained a deeper understanding of the joy and fulfillment that comes from spending quality time with others. The day ended with smiles, hugs, and promises to return, a reminder of how powerful and meaningful human connection can be.

Volunteering at Lincoln Elementary

By Brittany Hoversten • March 5, 2025
At Lincoln Elementary in Little Falls, the pre-K classroom thrives thanks to Miss Maranda and Dorothy, a Foster Grandparent volunteer. Ms. Maranda values having Grandma Dorothy in the room. "It's great to have someone with a fresh perspective who connects with students," she says. Dorothy helps students with academics and brings a caring approach to the youngest learners. Dorothy enjoys her role, finding it both fun and meaningful. "The kids are so much fun, and I'm happy to help with lessons that impact their learning for years," she says. The appreciation between Miss Maranda and Dorothy is mutual. "Dorothy brings positivity, is helpful and kind, and has become an integral part of our classroom team," Miss Maranda shares. Dorothy feels valued, especially when teachers note her impact on students. "When my teacher tells me, 'I can tell which students you've worked with,' it lets me know I’m making a difference," Dorothy says. Their collaboration has led to touching moments, such as a student hugging Dorothy at Walmart. "It shows the lasting connection we’ve made," Dorothy recalls. Miss Maranda echoes this, saying, "We’d gladly welcome another foster grandparent into our program. It’s refreshing to have a grandparent figure who makes a lasting impact on both learning and relationships." Dorothy’s support is important for struggling students. "I love encouraging them to do their best," she says, finding joy in seeing their proud faces when they grasp a concept or complete a project. The partnership between Miss Maranda and Dorothy highlights the impact of volunteers. Dorothy’s positivity, support, and perspective enhance the learning experience and provide invaluable help to teachers, showcasing the mutual benefits of the Foster Grandparent Program.
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