COLUMBUS, Ohio — For anyone looking to make volunteering a New Year’s resolution, Meals on Wheels could use the help. 

Lakeshau McBride has always had a giving spirit. She grew up volunteering at New Salem Baptist Church in Columbus, and not much has changed since she moved to Honolulu, Hawaii.

She moved to Hawaii a couple of years ago and wanted to do some volunteering while visiting family in Columbus.

“I said 'Hey, this would be a wonderful thing. Meals on Wheels is a perfect way to give back to society and help those in need,'" said McBride. 

Meals on Wheels runs through LifeCare Alliance, a social service organization, and since the start of the pandemic it’s seen a 63% increase in meals served.  With an increase in demand, the organization is in need of more consistent volunteers.

When businesses shut down, a lot of the Meals on Wheels corporate partner volunteers could no longer be of service. McBride said while the pandemic is a concern, people may still volunteer with precaution.

“When you have your face masks, and whenever, you know, you get fully vaccinated and everything, it's just an encouragement to help others,” said McBride. “Don’t stop helping others.” 

During the past year, Meals on Wheels has seen an influx of more than 1,200 volunteers. One of them is David Kaplan. Kaplan started delivering meals this past March and he said it’s become a highlight in his life.

“I feel like I have a little spring in my step after I finish my route or even during my route,” said Kaplan. “There's a lot of depression going around these days and this is kind of an antidote for that I think.”

The training process is quick and volunteers may start within 24 to 48 hours of inquiring. After finishing an application online, those interested watch a series of videos and may shadow before becoming an official volunteer. Many people have signed up to volunteer during the holiday season, but there’s a concern for consistent volunteers after the New Year.

“They think about it at Christmas and Thanksgiving and over the holidays, but when they get back into their new year's routine sometimes they forget,” said Tricia Strahler, Director of Communications for LifeCare Alliance. “If they just schedule it as a regular part of their new year they’re going to feel great about it.” 

Meals on Wheels still needs a few volunteers for New Year's Eve, but are hoping to recruit a new group that commits consistently throughout the year. McBride said that the need is all year round.

“Holidays come and go all the time, but people still are hungry,” McBride said. “There are lots of people who still are homeless and there are people that are just in need.” 

Anyone interested in volunteering may call 614-444-MEAL, or click here.