CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Commission on Aging is asking individuals, churches and businesses to give approximately one hour a week to help deliver meals and companionship to homebound seniors in the city of Cullman.
Volunteers are needed one day a week during the meal delivery window of 10 a.m.-noon. Those interested can call the Cullman Senior Center at 256-734-0145.
Prepared meals are picked up and delivered along an assigned route using the volunteer’s own transportation. Mileage reimbursement is available but optional.
Volunteers also deliver the Cullman County Senior Magazine, helping homebound clients remain informed about programs, services and events in the community.
“For many homebound individuals, our volunteers are the only connection they have,” Cullman County Commission on Aging Director Stephanie Lawson told The Tribune during an earlier recruitment effort.
In addition to providing food and information, each delivery gives someone an opportunity to check on the senior’s well-being. Volunteers report concerns or clients they are unable to reach to center staff after completing their routes.
“They are also providing a daily wellness check and some socialization to our homebound, which is very important as well,” Commission on Aging Nutrition Coordinator Laurie Knight previously told The Tribune.
The center’s latest appeal highlighted Pat, a volunteer who has delivered meals for more than 20 years. Officials said the program could not continue serving homebound seniors without dedicated volunteers like her.
The Cullman Senior Center is one of seven full-time senior centers operated through the Cullman County Commission on Aging. The others are in Colony, Crane Hill, Fairview, Hanceville, Holly Pond and West Point.
Each center serves lunch Monday through Friday, except holidays, and coordinates homebound deliveries within its service area.
The latest countywide figure publicly reported by the Commission on Aging showed the seven centers serving approximately 140 homebound seniors. The figure was reported in late 2025, and the number can change as seniors enter or leave the program.
Lawson previously said the service helps seniors remain in their own homes longer while giving their families reassurance that someone is checking on them during the day.
To qualify for homebound meals, a person must be 60 or older and meet the program’s homebound eligibility guidelines. Meals are provided without charge, although donations are appreciated and returned to the nutrition program.
Funding for the meals comes from the Alabama Department of Senior Services, Cullman County Commission, North Central Alabama Regional Council of Governments, United Way of Cullman County and donations from individuals, churches and businesses.
Some volunteers serve the same route each week, while others help once or twice a month or fill in when a regular driver is unavailable. Church groups and businesses are also encouraged to form teams and rotate volunteers according to members’ availability.
The Cullman Senior Center is located at 1539 Sportsman Lake Road NW.
To volunteer, call 256-734-0145. Those interested in homebound meal routes elsewhere in Cullman County may contact Knight at 256-734-1241 or lknight@co.cullman.al.us.
