Volunteer for Horizons East Central Iowa

Looking for a way to make a difference?

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

We currently send out 39 hot routes from our Linn County location and 14 from our Johnson County location. In addition, we send 20 frozen routes out of Linn County and 4 out of Johnson County. Together, these routes cover clients in Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Linn and Washington Counties.

We are currently in need of additional Meals on Wheels volunteers to help us meet the growing demand in our community. More helping hands ensure we can continue delivering consistent, reliable service to every senior on our routes throughout Linn and Johnson Counties.

Linn County Needs: 12 drivers on Mondays, 3 drivers on Tuesdays, 5 drivers on Wednesdays, 12 drivers on Thursdays, 11 drivers on Fridays.

Meals on Wheels drivers can deliver as little or as often as they’d like (multiple times a week, once a week, once a month, etc.). One hour a day can make a big difference. Bring a friend and make a difference together!

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 Opporunities

Our largest need for volunteers is delivering meals to seniors.

Meals on Wheels Driver/Substitute Driver
Meal delivery takes place Monday–Friday, with primary pick-up at 819 5th St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52406. We also offer pick-up locations in Hiawatha at the City Hall and Marion at the American Legion if those are more convenient.

Lunch routes: Pick-up is between 10:30–10:45 AM, and delivery typically takes 1–1½ hours.

Breakfast routes: Delivered Monday–Friday with flexible start times between 8:00–10:00 AM. These routes usually take 1–2 hours.

Animeals Delivery Driver
Animeals routes take place once a month, typically during the third week of the month.

Pick-up occurs on the Saturday before, as well as Monday evening and Tuesday morning of Animeals week.

There is no set delivery day or time—deliveries just need to be completed sometime during that week.

If a resident is not home, pet food may be safely left at the door.

Kitchen Assistant

This is a 9:00 am to 11:00 AM shift, Monday through Friday.

You would help scoop food, pack containers, and prepare food for delivery to our clients.

Pantry Assistant

There are a few different duties that need done on an ongoing basis:

Bread bagging: flexible – 1 hour shift daily, additional hours needed on days ahead of having bread on the menu.

Cooler & bag cleaning: weekly – 1-2 hour shift.

Frozen Labeling : noonish, daily, 1 hour shift.

Group Volunteer Opportunities

Deliver Meals on Wheels as a Team!

Deliver Meals on Wheels as a Team!

Bringing employee groups to volunteer with Meals on Wheels is a powerful way for businesses to invest directly in their community while strengthening their own teams. Group meal delivery provides a meaningful, hands-on experience that builds camaraderie, boosts morale, and reinforces a company’s commitment to social responsibility. Just one morning or lunchtime route can have an immediate impact on local older adults who rely on programs like Meals on Wheels America to remain independent and connected. It’s a simple, high-impact opportunity for businesses to demonstrate leadership, cultivate teamwork, and show employees that their workplace values service as much as success.

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.

Click Here To Fill Our a Group Volunteer Application!

Community Service

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 Linn County volunteer coordinator at 319-784-8394 or the Johnson County volunteer coordinator at 319-338-0515.

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

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 Cedar Rapids office (319) 398-3574, Coralville Office 319-338-0515, or email volunteer@horizonseci.org 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 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 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.

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.