If you have a little extra time, you may want to consider helping people in need. The Syracuse Meals on Wheels program is looking for volunteers to help prepare and deliver meals to the homebound. Brad Vivacqua is at the Meals on Wheels headquarters on Burt Street in Syracuse with more.

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The Meals on Wheels program is seeing a trend that has become common over the months of January, February but hopefully not March.

Many of the volunteers who typically help out with food prep and delivery just aren't available over the cold winter months.

Officials say many of the volunteers here are retired seniors that travel south for the winter.

The recent surge in gas prices may be holding people back from volunteering even just a few times a week.

Delivery drivers are particularly needed to help deliver meals to a client list of about 400 people in the Syracuse area.

Officials say the routes aren't very long despite volunteers having to use their own vehicle.

Meals on Wheels Community Relations Director Nancy Ranieri said, "I think the longest route from start to finish is less than ten miles. So, it's literally just a few dollars when you put it in to perspective, and a couple hours of your time. It is well worth it."

The Syracuse Meals on Wheels program delivers about 200,000 meals each year.

Volunteers are needed during the week and you can give up as little as a few hours each month.

For more information or to help you can call (315) 478-5948. You can also visit Meals.org