Lenawee County Needs Volunteers to Support Older Adults

Sometimes the smallest gestures create the biggest impact in someone's day. The Lenawee Department on Aging in Michigan is seeking volunteers to support older adults through companionship, meal delivery, and hands-on help at senior centers.

At Daybreak Adult Day Services, volunteers can spend afternoons playing cards, chatting, walking hallways, or even enjoying ping pong with participants. These simple one-on-one interactions provide companionship that transforms ordinary afternoons into moments of joy. The greatest need is Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

Meal delivery volunteers are especially needed right now. Hudson needs 1-2 drivers to cover rural routes, while Adrian needs 5-10 drivers to ensure homebound seniors receive nutritious meals and regular wellness checks. These deliveries aren't just about food; they're often the only face-to-face connection some older adults have each day.

A temporary opportunity is also available in Hudson this April. Volunteers are needed Tuesdays and Wednesdays to cover meal delivery while a regular driver is away, ensuring no one misses their daily meals during that time.

The Onsted Senior Center needs help on Wednesdays and Thursdays with room setup. Volunteers arrange and take down tables and chairs for daily programs, creating welcoming spaces where seniors gather and connect.

The Ripple Effect

When volunteers show up for older adults, the benefits extend far beyond a single interaction. Regular meal deliveries help seniors maintain independence in their own homes. Companionship at day services reduces isolation and loneliness, which research shows can be as harmful to health as smoking. Even setting up chairs creates spaces where friendships form and communities strengthen.

The Department on Aging designed these opportunities to fit busy schedules. Whether you can commit once a week, once a month, or just for April's temporary need, your time matters. No special skills are required, just compassion and a willingness to show up.

Interested volunteers can sign up online through the Lenawee Department on Aging website. Every hour given helps an older adult feel seen, valued, and connected to their community.