Volunteer | RMoW

Volunteer scheduling self-service portal

If you're a returning volunteer who has completed your training, you may sign up for Driver or COD shifts using our new online self-service portal here: https://signup.com/go/uNyAZPN

Volunteers are always needed

To succeed, Rockville Meals on Wheels requires a group of dedicated volunteers working together for a good cause.

If you'd be interested in volunteering, please fill out the form below (or email us at volunteerchair@rockvillemealsonwheels.org) and our Volunteer Chair will contact you with more information. If you have specific questions about volunteering with Rockville Meals on Wheels, please read the Mini-FAQ below the form. We look forward to hearing from you!

How long does it take on average to deliver meals?

Volunteers arrive to pick up meals to be delivered around 9:30am each day. Each delivery route takes between 1-2 hours to complete.
How often does the average person volunteer?

Most volunteers come in one day a week, every week. For example, a delivery team may come in every Tuesday to run the same delivery route.
Can I help prepare meals?

Sorry, we don't actually prepare our own meals - they're prepared by a local catering company and delivered to us fresh each weekday morning to be delivered in the community.
What is a "COD" and what do they do?

A COD is short for Chairperson-of-the-Day, a sort of combination office manager and volunteer supervisor. They can work alone or in teams of two. Their hours are usually 7:30am-12:00pm and their duties include labeling meals, answering the phone, and light administrative work. There are different CODs each weekday.
What is the Friendly Caller Program?

The Friendly Caller Program was created near the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to maintain social (and socially distanced) connections between clients and volunteers through friendly weekly phone calls. Being a Friendly Caller can be a good option for prospective volunteers who would like to help but can't do so during our normal operating hours.
I'd like to volunteer but can't do so regularly. Can I still help out?

Yes! We're always looking for substitutes who can fill in as needed.
I'm a high school student who needs SSL hours. Can I volunteer?

We can provide SSL hours, but because of liability issues we cannot allow volunteers under 18 years of age to deliver meals alone. However, we may be able to pair you up with another volunteer, or you could ask a family member to volunteer with you.
Do you perform any sort of background check on new volunteers?

Yes, we perform a criminal background check on every volunteer applicant.
I'm unavailable during your normal operating hours (Mon-Fri, 7:30am-12:00pm) but would like to help. Is there anything I can do?

Possibly. We have a number of volunteer positions with a managerial or financial focus and the occasional special project which can be pursued outside of normal operating hours. Friendly Callers also have a great deal of flexibility with their volunteer time.