Looking for a New Year’s resolution that will help you and others at the same time? Trudy White suggests volunteering as a driver for Union Meals on Wheels in either Union or Buffalo.

“One hour a week is all the task usually takes, and the rewards are intangible but greatly satisfying, from the warm esprit de corps among fellow drivers to the friendships with the grateful clients,” White said Thursday. “A USC Union student made a study of the Meals on Wheels program this year for a class project, and her survey showed high approval of the organization’s work among both the volunteers and the clients.”

White pointed that out that Meals on Wheels volunteers are a diverse group united by the desire to serve their community.

“Assuming meal delivery for a route one day a week makes a good community service project for an office staff or a church class group,” White said. “Union Services, the Disability and Special Needs staff, and Hospice of Tri County rotate the duty among their employees; home-schooling mothers and their children are faithful volunteers; office workers contribute one lunch hour a week and many retired folk make up the loyal citizens who give back to the community they love.”

Even with all these volunteers, White said more help is needed, adding that if there are enough volunteers, Meals on Wheels could begin making deliveries in Monarch.

“Presently, a driver is needed for a Union route on Fridays and for substitute drivers on some other routes,” White said. “Our delivery areas are within the city limits of Union and the town limits of Buffalo, however, for some time Meals on Wheels has hoped to establish a route in the Monarch community, but five drivers are needed to make that route a reality.”

While its delivery areas are currently limited to Union and Buffalo, White said qualified clients outside those areas may receive meals if they have someone who is able to pick up their meals. The meals for clients on the Union routes are prepared at Wallace Thomson Hospital and those for Buffalo clients at Midway Barbecue.

Union Meals on Wheels is an all-volunteer organization whose work is underwritten by donations from church groups, businesses, organizations, individuals, and clients who are able to pay.

To volunteer as a Meals on Wheels driver contact Trudy White at 427-4326. To apply for Meals on Wheels meals contact Nancy Baarck at 427-0046. Donations can be mailed to Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 951, Union, SC 29379.

“Make the new year bright for yourself and others,” White said. “Volunteer.”