“Where’s Phil?” is the question Meals on Wheels clients have been asking recently. Phil Fruman has been a Meals on Wheels driver for nine years, but recent surgery kept him from his route. Now recovered, Fruman is back in the driver’s seat.
Each Thursday, he delivers meals to clients in an East Dallas housing project. Overall, Fruman devotes more than 30 hours weekly to several agencies.
“He’s genuinely interested in our clients,” said Gayle Collins, Meals on Wheels volunteer coordinator. “On Mother’s Day, he has even been known to deliver roses to all the mothers on his route.”
Why is Fruman so devoted to his Meals on Wheels friends?
“I deliver 20 meals, and I get 20 hugs,” he says.
Six years ago, Fruman received an extra bonus for his volunteer work. He met his wife, Becky, while serving as a Volunteer Center of Dallas County phone counselor.
Fruman, who moved to Dallas from New York following his retirement 10 years ago, also volunteers at R.I.S.D. Academy, Contact Telephone, Retired Senior Volunteer Program and Jewish Family Services. He and his wife also are foster parents, taking care of newborns until they are adopted.
“After all,” Fruman says, “I didn’t retire from life; I retired from business.”
If you would like to volunteer one day each week, Meals on Wheels needs drivers in East Dallas. Volunteers pick up the meals at the First Community Church near Mockingbird and Abrams and deliver them to elderly and disabled clients.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Volunteer Center is a United Way agency serving as a clearinghouse to recruit and refer volunteers for more than 750 Dallas agencies. Thousands of volunteer positions are waiting to be filled. A few examples are:
GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN. And so will you if you volunteer for the Tejas Girl Scout Council. If you enjoy working with girls of all ages, this is the place for you. Volunteers are needed as leaders, assistant leaders and consultants. Training is provided and hours are flexible.
GET ON YOUR FEET! Volunteer at the Dallas Morning News Dance Festival, an extravaganza featuring area professional dance companies. The Festival, coordinated by the Arts District Friends, will be held Downtown in Artist Square, September 26-29. Volunteers are needed each evening to distribute programs, information and refreshments.
PEOPLE FACING LANDLORD-TENANT PROBLEMS such as eviction, repairs and security deposits can get the help they need thanks to the Dallas Tenants’ Association, a housing advocacy agency in the Wilson Historic District. If you’re willing to devote a few hours each week, you’ll assist clients by telephone. You can also help clients at Saturday morning workshops.
For more information about these and other positions, contact the Volunteer Center at 826-6767.
