Volunteer with Us

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Volunteers are the heart of Nourish Meals on Wheels. Walk through our doors, and you’ll instantly feel the kindness and generosity that fuel our mission. Every day, we pack and deliver fresh, healthy meals to more than 750 clients across South Metro Denver, ensuring they receive not just food, but also care and connection.

We rely on dedicated individuals, local businesses, and community groups to make this possible. From kitchen helpers to delivery drivers to office support, every volunteer plays a crucial role in serving our neighbors.

But volunteering with Nourish is about more than just delivering a meal—it’s about bringing comfort, companionship, and something to look forward to. Your time and effort help older adults remain in their homes with dignity, knowing they are valued and never alone.

Volunteers in Action

More Than a Meal: When a Door and a Heart Opened

At Nourish Meals on Wheels, we do more than provide meals for older (60+) or homebound adults. Our volunteers are the familiar, caring faces that help combat loneliness and isolation, one visit at a time. One recent delivery reminded us just how powerful those moments of connection can be. For several years, one of our dedicated volunteers had been delivering meals to the same client. Each visit followed the same quiet routine: the door would open just a crack, the meal would

Where a Knock Becomes a Friendship

At Nourish Meals on Wheels, every delivery is an opportunity for connection. While the meals provide nourishment, it is often the relationships formed at the door that leave the greatest impact. Volunteers create space for conversation, shared memories, and genuine care, reminding older adults that they are seen and valued. For Kim , volunteering with Nourish began during a season of transition. After moving from Los Angeles to Denver to care for her grandmother, she was look

Generations of Giving: Eva and Zadie’s Story

At Nourish Meals on Wheels, we are continually inspired by the families who volunteer together. Parents, children, and grandparents who share their time remind us that caring for others is something best learned by example. These moments of service help build compassion, empathy, and connection across generations. For Eva and her daughter Zadie , volunteering began as a middle school service project and grew into something much more meaningful. When Zadie joined the Junior Na

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Together, we make a difference in our community.

Collage of photos showing volunteers involved in our organization

Availability

Our regular operating hours are 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM, Monday through Friday, with most volunteer opportunities available during this time. For more flexible ways to get involved, check out our “Anytime” opportunities.

Volunteering with Nourish is flexible! Whether you choose to help every day, once a week, or once a month, we appreciate any time you can give. Our volunteers range from preschoolers to those in their 90s, from newcomers to those who have been with us for decades—all making a meaningful impact in their own way.

Opportunities

Join Our Team

Anyone Anytime

You can bring your creations or donations to Nourish between 8:30am-2:30pm Monday-Friday. (92. E. Arapahoe Rd, Littleton, CO)

Cheerful Cards

You and your family can make cheerful cards with thoughtful messages that bring hope and the joy of being remembered to our clients. We deliver these along with meals for holidays and just because. Guidelines: - Holiday specific cards are welcome, but please keep them secular. We cannot send religious themes. - Please DO NOT send “Get Well” messages (The people receiving our drawings are just in need of a smile.) - Please do not seal into envelopes - Please do not include any dates We serve more than 3,500 meals each week to 650+ clients, so we always have a need for fun cards!

Tray Favors

Tray favors are small, handmade gifts that are made by our community and given to our clients along with their meal. Help us brighten our clients' days. We deliver these along with meals for holidays and just because. Guidelines: - Items should be small enough to fit into a lunch sized paper bag along with a card. - Holiday specific crafts are welcome, but please keep them secular. We cannot send religious themes. - Please DO NOT send “Get Well” messages (The people receiving our drawings are just in need of a smile.) We serve more than 3,500 meals each week to 650+ clients, so we always have a need for fun tray favors! Need more information or ideas? Please contact us.

Coloring Kindness

EVERYONE, Kids, Teens, & Adults, can volunteer to color and help us spread cheer!

Host a Food Drive or Pet Drive

Along with our grocery program, we deliver dog and cat food, kitty litter, and treats to clients who need help feeding their pets, so they don’t have to share their own meals! These programs are supported entirely by our community.

Volunteer Today!

Community Engagement Opportunities

Groups - Corporate, Education, Service, Church & Others

We partner with organizations and businesses who desire to serve and collaborate. For more details and to schedule an activity, please complete the application form or call our office at 303.798.7642

Adopt-A-Route

When your group adopts a route, one day a week, your group will deliver meals to clients on the same route every week. Group members can share the responsibility each week, have the opportunity to rotate driving. A valid driver’s license, car insurance, vehicle, and a background check are required for all volunteer drivers.

Coloring Kindness

EVERYONE, Kids, Teens, & Adults, can volunteer to color and help us spread cheer!

Crafternoons

Join us for a creative and meaningful afternoon at Nourish! During our Crafternoon events, you'll have the opportunity to craft seasonal tray favors and heartfelt cards to brighten the day of our clients. Tray favors are small, handmade items delivered along with meal trays to add a personal and festive touch that bring smiles and joy to the 650-725 older adults and homebound neighbors we serve daily, reminding them that they are a part of our community. We’ll provide all the supplies and step-by-step instruction for a variety of fun and easy crafts, so no experience is needed! Whether you’re an expert crafter or trying something new, this is a wonderful way to make a difference while enjoying a relaxing, creative activity. There is no cost to attend, donations are optional but appreciated. Bring your enthusiasm, and we’ll bring the supplies and inspiration! Together, we can spread joy, one craft at a time.

Canvas Credit Union volunteers with the items collected in their food drive

Cheerful Cards

Your group can make cheerful cards with thoughtful messages that bring hope and the joy of being remembered to our clients. This is a great activity for an ice breaker, or something your customers can create onsite in a waiting area. The possibilities are endless! We deliver these along with meals for holidays and just because. Guidelines: - Holiday specific cards are welcome, but please keep them secular. We cannot send religious themes. - Please DO NOT send “Get Well” messages (The people receiving our drawings are just in need of a smile.) - Please do not seal into envelopes - Please do not include any dates We serve more than 3,500 meals each week to 650+ clients, so we always have a need for fun cards!

Tray Favors

Tray favors are small, handmade gifts made by our community and given to our clients along with their meal. Help us brighten our clients' days. We deliver these along with meals for holidays and just because. Guidelines: - Items should be small enough to fit into a lunch sized paper bag along with a card. - Holiday specific crafts are welcome, but please keep them secular. We cannot send religious themes. - Please DO NOT send “Get Well” messages (The people receiving our drawings are just in need of a smile.) We serve more than 3,500 meals each week to 650+ clients, so we always have a need for fun tray favors!

Service Day Delivering Meals

Looking for a meaningful one-time volunteer opportunity for your group? Help us deliver meals on days when we need extra support! Throughout the year, we experience high volunteer shortages—especially the Friday before major holidays, during spring break, and other peak travel times. We work with groups to find the best day to serve, based on our needs. How it works: - Groups are sent out in teams of 2-3 to deliver meals, just like our regular meal delivery drivers. - Volunteers use their own cars to bring nutritious meals to clients across South Metro Denver. - Routes typically take under two hours after pickup. - Each visit provides more than a meal—it’s a chance to bring connection and kindness to those who may not see anyone else that day. Group Volunteer Requirements: - At least one adult (18+) per team must be in each vehicle, with a valid driver’s license, car insurance, and a vehicle. - Must be able to lift 25 lbs repetitively and pass a criminal background check. - Youth participants are welcome, as long as they are accompanied by an adult volunteer. This is a great way for workplaces, schools, faith groups, and community organizations to give back with a short-term but impactful volunteer experience!

Host a Food Drive or Pet Drive

Along with our grocery program, we deliver dog and cat food, kitty litter, and treats to clients who need help feeding their pets, so they don’t have to share their own meals! These programs are supported entirely by our community.

Apply to Volunteer

More Ways to Partner

Opportunities for Individuals

Volunteer Driver double checking his route

Weekday Meal Delivery Driver

Our greatest volunteer need is for meal delivery drivers—a team of caring individuals who provide more than just a meal each day. Using their own cars, fuel, and personal time, our drivers deliver nutritious meals to clients throughout South Metro Denver. For many, they are the only outside contact of the day, offering a friendly face and a vital connection to the community. Drivers also help identify any additional needs clients may have, ensuring they receive the support they need. How it works: - Meals are prepared fresh in our kitchen, and routes are planned by our office team. - Each route varies in length, but we aim to keep total delivery time within two hours after pickup. - Volunteers can commit to a regular weekly route or fill in as substitutes when needed. Volunteer Requirements: - Must be 18+ years old with a valid driver’s license, car insurance, and your own vehicle. - Must be able to lift 25 lbs repetitively and pass a criminal background check. - Routes can be done with youth passengers, as long as the registered volunteer is an adult. Join us in delivering more than just meals—help bring connection, care, and comfort to those who need it most.

Weekday Meal Packaging

Every day, our kitchen team prepares and packages fresh, hot meals for delivery to our clients. A dedicated group of volunteers ensures that each meal is carefully packed and ready to go, making a direct impact on those we serve. How it works: - Volunteers arrive at 8 AM, starting with packing desserts. - Next, they move into the kitchen to prepare customized special meals, followed by the day’s regular meals. - Each meal is served into a tray, sealed, labeled, and packed into insulated bags before being handed off to our delivery drivers. - After meals are sent out, the team cleans up the kitchen and wraps up by Noon. Volunteer Requirements: - Must be 18+ years old with reliable transportation. - Must be able to stand for 60-90 minutes at a time, lift 25 lbs occasionally, and pass a criminal background check. - A food handler’s certification is not required, but all volunteers must follow County, State, and Federal food handling guidelines. This hands-on role is perfect for those who enjoy teamwork, organization, and making a difference in the lives of others.

Join Our Team

Daily Roll Out

As drivers arrive to pick up meals for their routes, our Roll Out volunteers ensure everything runs smoothly. This fast-paced role helps coordinate meal distribution, keeping the process efficient and organized. How it works: - Meals are packed on a first-come, first-served basis as drivers arrive. - Roll Out volunteers track which routes’ drivers have checked in and communicate with the kitchen to prioritize meal packing accordingly. - Once each meal is sealed, labeled, and packed into an insulated bag, the Roll Out volunteer delivers it to the correct driver for their route. Volunteer Requirements: - Must be 18+ years old with reliable transportation. - Must be able to stand for 60-90 minutes, lift and carry up to 25 lbs repetitively, and pass a criminal background check. - A food handler’s certification is not required, but all volunteers must follow County, State, and Federal food handling guidelines. This role is perfect for organized, energetic individuals who enjoy working in a team and keeping things running efficiently!

Weekend Meal Packaging

To ensure our clients have meals over the weekend, we offer two frozen meals, delivered with Friday’s meal. Two dedicated volunteer teams help make this possible: Wednesdays: Volunteers work alongside our kitchen staff to package freshly prepared meals so they can be frozen. Thursdays: A second team packs the frozen meals by route, ensuring they are ready for Friday’s deliveries. Volunteer Requirements: - Must be 18+ years old with reliable transportation. - Must be able to stand for 60-90 minutes, lift up to 25 lbs occasionally, and pass a criminal background check. - A food handler’s certification is not required, but all volunteers must follow County, State, and Federal food handling guidelines. This is a great opportunity for detail-oriented volunteers who enjoy working behind the scenes to help ensure every client receives a meal!

Volunteers packing frozen meals for the weekend

Breakfast Packing

Our breakfast program provides clients with a bag filled with five days of breakfasts, delivered alongside their hot meals on Wednesdays. Each Tuesday, a team of volunteers prepares and packs these breakfast bags, ensuring they include a variety of ready-to-eat and easy-to-prepare items for the week ahead. Volunteer Requirements: - Must be 18+ years old with reliable transportation. - Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally and pass a criminal background check. - A food handler’s certification is not required, but all volunteers must follow County, State, and Federal food handling guidelines. This is a great opportunity for detail-oriented volunteers who want to help ensure our clients start their day with a nutritious meal!

Volunteers packing our weekly breakfasts program

Administrative Volunteers

Our administrative volunteers play a vital role in keeping our office running smoothly. Under the guidance of staff, this team helps with a variety of essential tasks, including: - Answering phone calls and assisting clients with a friendly, professional demeanor - Conducting new client intakes - Preparing route sheets for drivers - Processing meal contributions - Writing client birthday cards and packaging birthday gifts - Assisting with other administrative tasks as needed Volunteer Requirements: - Must be 18+ years old with reliable transportation - Must be comfortable answering phone calls professionally and learning our computer systems - Should have a heart for great customer service and strong attention to detail - Must pass a criminal background check This role is perfect for organized, compassionate individuals who want to make a difference behind the scenes!

Volunteer in our office sitting at a computer desk

Grocery Delivery

For clients who need extra support, our Grocery Program helps ensure they have enough food in their pantry. Once a month, on the second Saturday, volunteers deliver bags of non-perishable groceries to clients, providing at least three days’ worth of food to those in need. Volunteer Requirements: - Must be 18+ years old with a valid driver’s license, car insurance, and a personal vehicle - Must be able to lift 25 lbs repetitively and pass a criminal background check - Youth passengers are welcome, as long as the registered volunteer is an adult This is a great opportunity to make a meaningful impact with just a few hours of your time each month!

Volunteer with a trunk filled with groceries to be delivered to our clients

Holiday Treat Packaging

We love celebrating holidays and milestones with our clients! Throughout the year, we deliver special meals and themed tray favors, and during our Twelve Days of Giving Holiday Gift Program, each client receives a gift for 12 days in December alongside their meal. A dedicated team of volunteers helps sort and pack donated cards, tray favors, and gifts ahead of each special holiday delivery. Their efforts ensure that every client receives a thoughtful treat, ready to be delivered with their holiday meal. This is a perfect opportunity for detail-oriented volunteers who enjoy bringing joy to others through thoughtful holiday surprises!

Volunteers packing holiday items for our clients

Apply to Volunteer

Opportunities for Families

Volunteer drivers double checking the meals for their route

Weekday Meal Delivery Driver

One of our greatest volunteer needs is meal delivery drivers, and families are welcome to get involved! Our clients love visiting with children, making this a great opportunity for families to volunteer together. Many parents and kids deliver meals during school breaks, and teens working toward their supervised driving hours can gain experience while giving back. How it works: - Volunteers use their own cars, fuel, and time to deliver nutritious meals to clients across South Metro Denver. - Routes are planned by our office team, with delivery typically taking under two hours after pickup. - Drivers can commit to a regular weekly route or fill in as substitutes when needed. - For many clients, their meal delivery driver is the only person they see that day, making each visit an opportunity to provide connection and care. Volunteer Requirements: - Must be 18+ years old with a valid driver’s license, car insurance, and a personal vehicle. - Must be able to lift 25 lbs repetitively and pass a criminal background check. - Youth are welcome, as long as they are accompanied an adult registered as a Nourish volunteer. This is a wonderful way for families to volunteer together, make a difference, and brighten someone’s day—one meal at a time!

Cheerful Cards

You and your family can make cheerful cards with thoughtful messages that bring hope and the joy of being remembered to our clients. We deliver these along with meals for holidays and just because. Guidelines: - Holiday specific cards are welcome, but please keep them secular. We cannot send religious themes. - Please DO NOT send “Get Well” messages (The people receiving our drawings are just in need of a smile.) - Please do not seal into envelopes - Please do not include any dates We serve more than 3,500 meals each week to 650+ clients, so we always have a need for fun cards!

Coloring Kindness

EVERYONE, Kids, Teens, & Adults, can volunteer to color and help us spread cheer!

Tray Favors

Tray favors are small, handmade gifts made by our community and given to our clients along with their meal. Help us brighten our clients' days. We deliver these along with meals for holidays and just because. Guidelines: - Items should be small enough to fit into a lunch sized paper bag along with a card. - Holiday specific crafts are welcome, but please keep them secular. We cannot send religious themes. - Please DO NOT send “Get Well” messages (The people receiving our drawings are just in need of a smile.) We serve more than 3,500 meals each week to 650+ clients, so we always have a need for fun tray favors! Need more information or ideas? Please contact us.

Crafternoons

Join us for a creative and meaningful afternoon at Nourish! During our Crafternoon events, you'll have the opportunity to craft seasonal tray favors and heartfelt cards to brighten the day of our clients. Tray favors are small, handmade items delivered along with meal trays to add a personal and festive touch that bring smiles and joy to the 650-725 older adults and homebound neighbors we serve daily, reminding them that they are a part of our community. We’ll provide all the supplies and step-by-step instruction for a variety of fun and easy crafts, so no experience is needed! Whether you’re an expert crafter or trying something new, this is a wonderful way to make a difference while enjoying a relaxing, creative activity. There is no cost to attend, donations are optional but appreciated. Bring your enthusiasm, and we’ll bring the supplies and inspiration! Together, we can spread joy, one craft at a time.

Host a Food Drive or Pet Drive

Along with our grocery program, we deliver dog and cat food, kitty litter, and treats to clients who need help feeding their pets, so they don’t have to share their own meals! These programs are supported entirely by our community.

Apply to Volunteer