Volunteer With Meals on Wheels Diablo Region
Make an Impact Through Volunteering
Volunteers are at the heart of our mission to fight food insecurity and social isolation among older adults throughout Contra Costa County. More than 500 dedicated volunteers help us deliver meals, companionship, and wellness support to seniors every year.
Whether you can give a few hours each week, volunteer occasionally, or participate as part of a company or community group, there's a meaningful way for you to make a difference.
Our volunteer opportunities include:
- Meal Delivery Driver
- Friendly Visitor, Caller & Helpers
- Court Accompaniment
- Cafe Assistant
- Office Volunteers
- Event Helper
Click on the tabs and find out more about each role. Contact us with any questions.
Meal Delivery Driver
Delivering a meal is about more than providing food. It's about bringing connection, reassurance, and a friendly smile to a neighbor who may not see many people throughout the day. As a Meals on Wheels driver, you'll help older adults remain healthy, independent, and connected to their community.
Why It Matters
For many seniors, their Meals on Wheels driver may be the only person they see that day. Your visit provides nourishment, companionship, and peace of mind. A simple check-in can make a meaningful difference and help ensure someone is safe and well.
What You'll Do:
- Pick up prepared meals from a local distribution site
- Deliver meals along an assigned route
- Provide a friendly greeting and social connection
- Conduct a brief wellness check
- Report concerns to staff
Requirements
- Reliable vehicle
- Valid driver's license
- Auto insurance
- Smartphone
Time Commitment
Most routes take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours and are delivered during the week starting at 9:30am. Flexible schedules are available, and volunteers can serve weekly, bi-weekly, or as substitutes.
By volunteering as a Meal Delivery Driver, you'll do more than deliver food. You'll deliver independence, connection, and care to older adults throughout our community.
Volunteering as a Friendly Visitor, Caller or Helper
Many older adults experience loneliness and isolation. Our Friendly Programs help seniors stay connected through companionship, conversation, and practical support. We carefully match volunteers and seniors based on interests, personalities, and schedules to create meaningful relationships. Many seniors are currently waiting for a volunteer match.
Volunteer Matching
We'll work with you to find a volunteer opportunity that matches your interests, schedule, and comfort level. Whether you have an hour a week or a few hours a month, there's a meaningful way for you to make a difference.
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Friendly Visitor
Help reduce isolation and brighten someone's week through friendship and connection. Spend about one hour each week building a meaningful connection with a matched older adult.
Activities may include:
- Conversation and companionship
- Playing games or puzzles
- Reading together
- Taking walks
- Grocery shopping
- Sharing hobbies and interests
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Friendly Caller
A simple phone call can help someone feel connected, supported, and cared about. Make a phone call twice a week, and make a meaningful difference for older adults who may feel lonely or isolated by providing friendship, encouragement, and social connection.
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Friendly Helper
Help provide peace of mind for older adults in your community. As a friendly helper, you will provide occasional assistance to older adults and help maintain their independence. This includes:
- Transportation to the grocery store, pharmacy or medical appointments
- Other practical support
Adopt-a-Route Program
Bring your team together while making a direct impact on local seniors. Adopt a route is a great opportunity for employee engagement, team building, and community impact. Organizations commit to providing volunteers to deliver meals on a designated weekly route. Teams that deliver for us include Rotaries, corporate teams and service groups.
Requirements
- Individual volunteer application for each participant
- Designated corporate contact person
- Routes assigned based on availability
- Four-month minimum commitment
Group Volunteer Opportunities
There are many ways your group can make an impact, including:
- Meal delivery
- Substitute driving
- Seasonal service projects
- Packing care bags
- Holiday outreach activities
- Creative volunteer projects
- Creative Service Projects
Not every volunteer opportunity requires direct interaction with older adults. Individuals and groups can make a meaningful difference through hands-on projects completed at your workplace, school, church, or community gathering.
Popular Projects Include:
- Handmade greeting cards
- Holiday card campaigns
- Craft projects
- Quilts and blankets
- Care bag assembly
- Hygiene kit creation and packing
- Holiday drives
- Donation drives
Have an Idea?
We're always looking for creative ways to engage volunteers and support our clients. If your group has a project idea, we'd love to hear it. You can also view our Gifting Guide or Amazon Wish List for gift ideas.
Contact us at volunteer@mowdr.org to discuss volunteer opportunities or design a project tailored to your group.
Ready to Get Started?
Bring your team together to make a lasting impact in the lives of local older adults. Contact us today to plan your volunteer experience.
Court Accompaniment Volunteer
A supportive companion can make all the difference. Court Accompaniment Volunteers assist older adults by providing encouragement, companionship, and reassurance during court appearances.
Responsibilities:
- Accompany seniors to court proceedings
- Offer a calm and supportive presence
- Help ease stress and anxiety
Office Volunteers
Help support our mission behind the scenes. Office Volunteers provide valuable administrative support by preparing mailings, assisting with special projects or helping out at events. No experience necessary. Volunteers typically meet once a month or as needed.
The Cafés
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Help create a warm, social dining experience for local seniors while making a meaningful impact in your community. Our Café program provides older adults with a welcoming place to enjoy a nutritious meal and connect with others. Each weekday, we serve healthy, free, or low-cost lunches at locations throughout Contra Costa County.
Volunteer opportunities include:
- Taking meal reservations by phone
- Helping set up for lunch
- Greeting diners
- Serving meals
Café Locations
- Bay Point – Ambrose Center, 3105 Willow Pass Road
- Brentwood – Brentwood Senior Center, 193 Griffith Lane
- Concord – Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Circle
- Pittsburg – Pittsburg Senior Center, 300 Presidio Lane
- Rodeo – Rodeo Community Center, 189 Parker Avenue
- Walnut Creek – Civic Park Community Center, 1375 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek
Ready to Make a Difference?
Whether you're delivering meals, visiting a senior, making a friendly phone call, helping in the office, volunteering with a group, or organizing a fundraiser, your time and talents help older adults remain healthy, independent, and connected.
Apply Today
Questions? Contact our Volunteer Recruitment Specialist at volunteer@mowdr.org or 925-655-9420.