DALLAS – Nearly every day, dozens of volunteers and staffers with the Visiting Nurse Association deliver meals to homebound Dallas residents and senior citizens. And on freezing days like Thursday, they need to make sure they take care of themselves too.
A Labor of Love
Local perspective: The VNA volunteers that FOX 4 spoke to on Thursday morning said delivering Meals on Wheels in freezing conditions is well worth it, knowing how grateful the recipients are.
Oftentimes, they have no other visitors, and many can’t get out when it’s so cold.
“Our goal is to make sure we deliver these meals every day whether it’s hot or cold. So in the winter, you just have to bundle up and deliver those meals,” added Chris Culak, the VNA VP Chief of Strategy and Development, who also handles a route in West Dallas.
In addition to a meal, Culak brought some of his clients blankets and space heaters on Thursday. He said it’s especially important to check on residents during freezing temperatures to make sure they have heat and running water.
It’s obvious to him that braving the elements for a short time goes a long way with his clients.