Volunteer for Horizons

Looking for a way to make a difference?

Volunteering for Horizons requires only a minimal time commitment and a deep passion for bettering our community.

What are the benefits of volunteering?

Volunteers make a difference every day through their smiles and care. We count on dependable and caring people to provide the best service.

When you volunteer, you:

Strengthen the community.
Make a positive impact on someone’s quality of life.
Gain work and life experiences.
Model the importance of giving back.
Meet new friends.
Build self-esteem and self-confidence.
Stay active and involved.
Find fulfillment.
Strengthen leadership skills.
Experience diversity.
Expand career opportunities.
Have fun!

Current Opportunities

Apply Now

Meals on Wheels Drivers

Volunteer Options

Our largest need for volunteers is delivering meals to seniors.

Hot Meal Drivers

Deliver a regular route weekly or bi-weekly from 10:45-11:45 a.m. or customize your schedule based on your needs. Each route takes approximately an hour, with pickup times starting as early as 10:30 a.m.

Substitute Drivers

Can’t commit to a regular volunteer schedule? Join our sub list for the flexibility you need!

Breakfast Bag Drivers

Help deliver a week’s worth of breakfast foods to food insecure seniors. Pickup times are between 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. and may require a larger vehicle.

Recruit-A-Friend! Earn a Horizons t-shirt by recruiting a friend to alternate weeks with you for a more flexible schedule! Even better, have them pick up their own route!

Additional Meals on Wheels Volunteer Opportunities

There are a variety of ways to help our Meals on Wheels staff and positively impact the lives of seniors in our community, including:

Make friendly visitor calls to clients.
Assist with snow removal.
Clean and maintain clients’ yards through the seasons.
Help prepare meals in our kitchen

Seasonal Volunteer Opportunities

Each area of the agency has its own unique volunteer needs, from delivering meals to administrative tasks. We also have special event volunteer opportunities throughout the year. If you are interested in any of these opportunities, please fill out the Volunteer Application form.

Lunchbox – (May & August)
Meals on Heels – (September)

Group Volunteer Opportunities

Adopt-A-Route (AAR) Program

The Adopt-A-Route (AAR) program provides an excellent way for companies, civic and faith-based organizations to engage in community service. Through a partnership with Horizons’ Meals on Wheels program, groups offer their employees or member volunteers time to deliver mid-day meals.

If you are interested in becoming a Horizons Meals on Wheels Adopt-A-Route partner, please complete your volunteer form, call 319-375-3108 or email the Volunteer Coordinator.

Deliver Meals on Wheels as a Team!

Groups arrive at our office (819 5th Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402) at 10:00 a.m. on the designated day (Monday through Friday.)

Go through a quick orientation.
Load your car(s) with hot meals and coolers for delivery.
Complete your designated route.
Return to our office and share feedback from your experience.

Groups of two or three per vehicle are ideal.

Current Volunteers

We strive to make volunteering easy, fun, and fulfilling. Check out the below information for important tools and details specific to current volunteers like you.

Access Your Volunteer Portal

View your schedule, track your hours, and get important details.

Download the Mobile Meals App

Enjoy the ease and convenience to view your route list, get directions, track your deliveries, and make notes for our Client Services Team to follow up with clients.

Frequently Asked Volunteer Questions and Answers

See common questions and answers about volunteering with Horizons’ Meals On Wheels below. Please call the office (319) 398-3943 if you have any additional questions or comments.

Can I volunteer to deliver meals on a regular basis?

Yes! Secure a route and day of the week that works best for your schedule today!

Volunteer placement and route assignments are based on your availability, interest, and ability to meet the requirements. While our goal is to meet the needs of our mission, we strive to respect your time and ensure you enjoy your time of service. In return, we hope you honor your commitment and consider your volunteer assignment just as important as a paid position.

Are there any requirements to be a volunteer at Horizons’ Meals on Wheels?

All volunteer drivers must be 18 years of age, have a valid driver’s license, an automobile, proof of auto insurance, and agree to a background check. Those under 18 may volunteer by riding along with a guardian, parent, or friend; or by helping in the office.

Do you have evening or weekend volunteer opportunities?

Opportunities are only available during Meals on Wheels operating hours, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Do you have volunteer opportunities for children and families?

Yes, volunteers may deliver with children or family.

Is there a minimum time commitment to volunteer with Horizons Meals on Wheels?

While we encourage a routine schedule (at least once every other week), there is no minimum time commitment to volunteer.

What if there is bad weather? How do I know if I should deliver?

In the event of inclement weather, Horizons will notify the local television stations covering our service area (KGAN CBS 2, KWWL NBC 7, and KCRG ABC 9) that we will not be delivering meals. Any notices from those stations will specifically state “Horizons Meals on Wheels.” Note that the agency will decide on closing independent of local school districts.

We will also post on our social media channels, send out a notification email, and post in VicNet.

Ultimately, it is to the discretion of the volunteer whether they feel it is safe to perform their delivery. We just ask that you use your best judgement, and please communicate anything unusual on any given day with our office.

Can I earn service hours by volunteering with Horizons?

If you contact us in advance, we will do our best to find you a meaningful volunteer experience that will mutually benefit Horizons and its programs.

If you are mandated by a court of law to perform community service, we ask that you contact the volunteer coordinator at 319-398-3108.

Please do not fill out a volunteer application if you need hours for court ordered community service.

I want to volunteer, but I don’t have a car. What can I do?

Volunteer opportunities that don’t require a car include office support, reception duties, making cards, etc. Please fill out a Volunteer Application.

I live outside of Linn and Johnson counties. Do you have opportunities elsewhere in the Corridor area?

Horizons is the designated provider of Meals on Wheels for Linn and Johnson counties. For information on similar organizations in your area, please visit the Meals on Wheels America website.