More than 100 seniors depend on them for weekday meals, and still more look to them for wholesome lunches at the Multi-service Center.

Run by nonprofit Old Colony Elder Services, Meals on Wheels and the congregate lunch program are in urgent need of help from volunteers.

Meals on Wheels currently has around 15 volunteer drivers who deliver meals anywhere from one day per week to three days or more. But more people are needed to cover the town's five delivery routes.

"It takes anywhere from an hour to an hour and 45 minutes to do a route," said Nutrition Manager Cheryl Johannessen of Old Colony Elder Services.

Volunteers need not work three days a week. Even one day would make a difference, said Johannessen, who has even had to take on some of the driving herself.

"I'm desperate," she said the morning of Friday, January 6, as a volunteer began preparing the Multi-service Center kitchen for the weekday 11:30 a.m. lunch. "I'll take whatever I can get."

Meals on Wheels covers all of Wareham, from Onset to West Wareham up to Shangri-la and almost into Plymouth.

"You really start to get fond of these people [you're delivering to] because you're going there every week," said Johannessen. "They're happy to see you."

Volunteers are also needed to staff the lunch program, which serves an average of 35 seniors per weekday, but Johannessen said she's had as many as 60 people on some busy days.

Seniors who are able to travel can stop by the Multi-service Center, located at 48 Marion Road across the parking lot from Town Hall, for the lunch. Rides can also be arranged through the Council on Aging by calling 508-291-3130.

A handful of Johannessen's volunteers are people who are out of a job and looking for something to do, she said. That's helpful, but often temporary.

"I had a guy who [volunteered] five days a week," Johannessen said. "Then he got a job."

She loses other volunteers to warm, southern states once the weather in Wareham turns cold.

"Snow birds," Johannessen explained. "People are going to Florida for the winter."

Volunteer Laine Bilodeau, who has helped out for close to four years and works five days a week, said it's not easy when the team is short on people.

"Sometimes it's difficult," he said. "You have to ask people to help."

Mary Kristmas, a volunteer who noted that she does "a little bit of everything" in the kitchen, echoed that sentiment.

The volunteers said it's rewarding to help.

"I just started helping one day and I've been doing it ever since," said Christine Roderick, who's pitched in with the lunch program for around seven years. "Instead of staying home all day, I come out. We have fun."

And the people who stop by for lunch appreciate it.

"It's great down here," said 65-year-old Joe Sirrico, who can no longer work. "It breaks up the day."

To volunteer or for more information about Meals on Wheels or the lunch program, call Cheryl Johannessen at 508-291-3100, ext. 6514. Volunteers must pass a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check. Meals on Wheels drivers are reimbursed 51 cents per mile.