The Meals on Wheels program that delivers lunches to more than 120 immobile seniors in Wareham is in desperate need of drivers.

Meals on Wheels is a part of Old Colony Elder Services and is run in Wareham by Cheryl Johannessen at the Town Multi-Service Center.

"I need drivers yesterday," Johannessen said.

She said there are five delivery routes per day from 9 to 11 a.m., Monday through Friday. There are currently three open delivery shifts, but when drivers go on vacation, get sick or otherwise can't make it out, there are even more openings, Johannessen said.

Drivers are paid 57.5 cents per mile and the routes range anywhere from 12 to 25 miles, according to Johannessen.

She said drivers are able to work from two to ten hours a week. If they want to work all five days, they're allowed to, but she just asks people to do what they can.

"A lot of drivers just do two hours a week," she said. "If no one can do it I'm out there doing it," she added.

In addition to the lunch deliveries, there are also congregate lunches served in the cafeteria of the Multi-Service Center Monday through Friday. The lunches begin at 11 a.m. except Thursday, when lunch begins at 11:30 because bingo begins at 12:30 p.m.

Johannessen said there are usually about 25 people who come to the luncheons and before lunch there is a light breakfast served with coffee, tea and toast starting at 9 a.m. Seats at the luncheon must be reserved ahead of time and there is a $2.50 suggested donation per meal.

To reserve a seat at the luncheon or to learn more about becoming a delivery driver to the Wareham's elderly, Johannessen can be reached at (508) 291-3100 ext. 6514.

In addition to the daily luncheons, Johannessen works with the other senior groups in town to put on a special luncheon once a month. This month it is a St. Patrick's Day celebration on Tuesday, March 17 where corned beef and cabbage will be served.

To learn more about the Meals on Wheels program and how to sign up to receive lunch deliveries, call Old Colony Elder Services at (508) 584-1561.