Lakewood’s ‘Frailest’ Senior Citizens Need Your Help

Every day, the city delivers about 100 meals to the “frailest and most isolated” senior citizens in Lakewood.

Problem is, there aren’t enough volunteers to deliver those meals.

The city’s division of aging is asking for people to volunteer an hour or two each week to chip in.

According to a city news release, many of the difficulties facing seniors are related to finances, as well as their inability to get out.

In Lakewood, there’s some assistance for seniors.

Under the city’s department of human services, the Division of Aging has a well-established home-delivery meal program.

Each day, the city delivers meals to 100 “frail, homebound” seniors — 62 of whom are 75 years old, or older.

But volunteers are needed.

“The routes are very tight, very organized,” said DeDe MacNamee-Gold, the manager of the city’s senior center. “It’s a way for the community to check in and see how people are doing — these are the frailest and most isolated people in our community.”

She added that the time commitment for volunteers is minimal, but “the rewards are huge.”

“I might be the only person they talk to that day,” said Mary Ann Dombrowiak, a home-delivery volunteer and member of the city’s commission on aging.

“It’s heartwarming to see how some recipients are waiting by the door for me to bring them lunch.

“Home-delivered meals is a quick hour of my time that exposes me to more of my Lakewood.”

Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to call 216-529-5005.