Demand for the Community Dining Room's (CDR's) Home Delivery Meal Program has faced dramatic growth over the last year, increasing by 12.9 percent. Today, the CDR delivers as many as 450 meals a week to some of our community's most fragile neighbors, including the elderly and ailing.

"The packages we deliver often provide the only complete and nutritious meals our homebound clients eat each week," explained Pat Kral, executive director of the CDR. "These clients often have little or no family in the area. They can't leave their homes to shop for groceries and don't have the financial resources for private food assistance."

Each week, dozens of volunteers prepare and deliver well-balanced meals, such as chicken, fresh vegetables and potatoes, all cooked in the CDR's Branford-based kitchen.

"We add dessert and often include extras, such as fruit or homemade cookies and breads," Kral noted.

"As we've gotten to know our clients over the years, we realized that many of them are lonely and interested in companionship," said Kral. "This past year we introduced a Friendly Visiting component to our Homebound Meal Delivery Program. If clients want to participate, our volunteers spend extra time with them talking, playing a game, or just enjoying a cup of tea."

With this growth comes an increased need for volunteers, particularly during the winter months and inclement weather. CDR needs Home Delivery and Friendly Visiting volunteers. As little as one hour every two weeks will help a great deal.

Those who have a bit of extra time and are interested in helping their neighbors are encouraged to call Pat Kral or Melissa Branch at the CDR at 203-488-9750.