{"id":1319602,"date":"2020-04-23T14:38:08","date_gmt":"2020-04-23T20:38:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.postindependent.com\/?p=995920"},"modified":"2020-04-23T14:38:08","modified_gmt":"2020-04-23T20:38:08","slug":"meals-on-wheels-column-millennials-and-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/alwaysmountaintime.com\/kske\/local-news\/meals-on-wheels-column-millennials-and-more\/","title":{"rendered":"Meals on Wheels Column: Millennials and more"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Kaaren Peck<\/strong>
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During these uncertain times, the spirit of volunteerism is soaring here on the Western Slope of Colorado, and the younger generations are no exception.  Gen X, Y and Z have become the current backbone of the Grand River Meals on Wheels program. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a changing of the guard among the volunteer\u2019s faces that remain at Grand River Health during the past two months. Older volunteers (in their 70s, 80s and 90s) have been encouraged by friends, family and our volunteer staff to stay at home. This shift has resulted in Generations X, Y and Z stepping up to the plate and bringing their time, talents and determination to the forefront of volunteering at Grand River Meals on Wheels.<\/p>\n

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Caryn and Kevin Hettler, take a lunch break to deliver meals in Rifle.<\/strong>
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These Gen X-, Y- and Z-ers are taking COVID-19 seriously and putting in the time and getting the job done safely. Volunteering Monday through Friday, masked up, armed with hand sanitizer, and new safety protocols, they deliver meals to some of the most vulnerable populations in our communities. From the Shores of Harvey Gap to the ranches of Rulison, these volunteers take an extended lunchtime to sometimes drive more than 50 miles to get those meals out.<\/p>\n

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Millennial Jenna Collinge loads up meals with the help of her two sons, Wyatt and Garrett Tuesday in Rifle.<\/strong>
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Curt and Kim Leitzinger started delivering meals over six years and continue today working it into their busy work schedules. Curt even asked his family to give to Grand River Meals On Wheels  for his Christmas gift one year. <\/p>\n

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Natalie Diaz (right) and Daly Anchondo deliver meals on wheels in Parachute.<\/strong>
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These new faces add to the existing, strong, volunteer force Grand River Health has had for years. Volunteers are an integral part of Grand River Health\u2019s strength and success over the years. Many in the community have mentioned \u201cin 1973 I used to volunteer at the Rifle Hospital\u201d or \u201cin 1988, I delivered Grand River Meals on Wheels through my church.\u201d  But now with Gen X-, Y- and Z-ers are taking the helm.  Looks like there might be Meals on Wheels drivers out there for many years to come. <\/p>\n

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