By Ashley Campbell This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Story Published: Jun 22, 2010 at 4:52 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jun 22, 2010 at 6:39 PM EDT

GROVETOWN, Ga. - Imagine depending on one meal a day and that meal never comes.

For many senior citizens in Grovetown, there's a chance that could happen. Fred Turner has been a volunteer at Grovetown's Senior Center for three years now. You could say he's paying it forward. "My parents were recipients of Meals on Wheels so I feel like I have a debt to them," said Turner. Every week, Turner loads his van with meals, taking them to homebound senior citizens. Turner says it's not just making a delivery; it's also about making a connection.

"He says he's been sick all night. I'm trying not to call the ambulance so I'll call back later and check on him," said Turner after delivering a meal for one senior citizen.

"We find out sometimes they're sick and we'll call their family members," Turner continued.

One senior citizen said to Turner, "You're my friend. You're the one that I turn to. Thank you so much."

"A lot of them look forward to me coming and speaking to them. Some of them want me to stay a lot longer than I can," said Turner.

While Turner says he's more than happy to give his time, he could use some help.

"Oh definitely, we could use several volunteers," said Turner.

At the Senior Center in Grovetown, Director Betty Laverty says on several occasions there wasn't anyone to deliver meals to the elderly.

"We have to call the city and see if there's anybody at all available that can go from the jobs they're doing and go and deliver our meals," said Laverty.

It’s a meal Laverty says may determine whether or not a senior citizen eats for the day.

Turner agrees and he speaks from experience.

"One hour a day to give to somebody that's homebound, a lot are sickly and they need these meals,” said Turner.

If you'd like to donate some of your time, you need to have your own vehicle.

For more information, call the Grovetown Senior Center at (706) 210-8699.