become a volunteer

Jump in with Both Feet

Ways to volunteer

Community Members Like You Who Partner with Staff to Serve

driver volunteer

Volunteer drivers are needed daily to ensure our homebound clients receive a hot meal and a wellness check. Drivers use their own vehicle for the routes, varying from 8 to 30 miles. In addition to delivering meals, drivers also provide a brief wellness check and enjoy a few minutes of conversation with those who are so inclined. For many of our clients, this is their only daily outside contact.

Kitchen & Dining Room Volunteer

Kitchen volunteers pack over 250 meals daily for delivery to our homebound clients and serve meals in our dining room. Kitchen volunteers also assist guests and keep our dining room and kitchen areas clean.

social companion

Loneliness and social isolation in older adults are serious public health risks affecting a significant number of people in the United States.

We have a long list of clients who have requested more frequent visits from our volunteers. Our Social Companions typically visit with clients one day a week for about 45 minutes to an hour.

frequently asked questions

DOES PRESCOTT MEALS ON WHEELS CURRENTLY NEED VOLUNTEERS?

Yes! We are always in need of volunteers, especially substitute drivers. Routes needing permanent drivers open up regularly. If driving or working in the kitchen is not your thing, we have a long list of clients who desire more social companionship.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO VOLUNTEER TO DELIVER MEALS?

Drivers must be at least 18 years of age.
Complete an interview with the Volunteer Director.
Obtain a Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card issued by the AZ Department of Public Safety and pass a background check before any unsupervised client contact.
Complete a minimum of 2 ride-along drives with another driver to ensure that the driver role is a good fit and to learn our procedures.
Have a reliable vehicle suitable for deliveries, a current driver’s license, and proof of insurance coverage.
Know the Prescott and/or Prescott Valley area or the ability to locate client addresses with a GPS navigation system.
Have the physical ability to enter and exit their vehicle to make deliveries repeatedly.
Attend a New Volunteer Information Session and read all distributed training materials, including quarterly training reminders.
Have a smartphone and the ability to install and use the Mobile Meals App.
Have the willingness to follow all procedures and policies of Prescott Meals on Wheels.

What are the requirements to volunteer in the kitchen?

Standing for long periods and some lifting is required.
A Food Handler’s Card is required for all kitchen volunteers.
Wearing closed-toed shoes and a hat, visor, or hairnet are required.
All training is on-the-job.

What activities do Social Companions do with clients?

Typically, a Social Companion visit is just that – a visit. However, some volunteers read books over the phone, play games, or do other activities in the home.

CAN MY FRIEND OR PARTNER VOLUNTEER WITH ME?

Yes! We welcome bringing friends and family to volunteer with you.

What are the TIME COMMITMENTs as a VOLUNTEER?

Kitchen

Kitchen shifts are available Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 1:00pm (earlier shifts on occasion).

Drivers

Prescott Valley drivers arrive no later than 9:45 am.
Prescott drivers arrive no later than 10:00 am.
Routes typically run between 1 – 2 hours.

WHERE DO I NEED TO GO TO PICK UP MEALS?

The meals are picked at our main site at 1280 E. Rosser in Prescott, AZ.

HOW DOES THE BACKGROUND CHECK WORK?

For our clients’ safety and our program’s integrity, we conduct a layered background check for drivers. This includes obtaining a Fingerprint Clearance Card as well as a background check on any Elder Abuse/Neglect history through the State of Arizona Central Registry.

For the Fingerprint Clearance Card, you apply online through the Department of Public Safety (DPS), and then get your fingerprints taken digitally at the Fieldprint office in Prescott Valley. It takes about a week after your fingerprints are taken to receive your card.

We will also obtain background check information on any Elder Abuse/Neglect history through the State of Arizona Central Registry.