Service Sundays: Meals On Wheels

Service Sunday: Meals On Wheels

Service Sunday

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."  - Anne Frank

Meals On Wheels

A few weeks ago my daughter Georgie and I delivered hot meals to elderly people through the Meals On Wheels program.  It was a joy in so many ways.  I found it the perfect service opportunity for young children.  They can easily carry the meals in and out of the car, talk to elderly people, enjoy meeting their pets and see and experience how it feel to do good for someone else. Read the Meals On Wheels Mission statement below and see to what you and your family could be contributing: 

Our Vision is to end senior hunger by 2020.

On September 1, 2009, the MOWAA Board of Directors approved a new vision for the Meals On Wheels Association of America: to end senior hunger by 2020.  In order to turn this 2020 vision into a reality, we have started a national movement to end senior hunger by 2020: Our goal is to recruit 6 million people who are willing to stand up and pledge to do what it takes to end senior hunger.

Senior hunger in America is a monumental problem.  Today, there are nearly 6 million seniors in the United States facing the threat of hunger.  Looking at the numbers, it is easy to become discouraged. Looking at the people whom the numbers represent, however, impels us to action and helps develop our plan.  Because of the magnitude of the problem, we know that we cannot solve it overnight or with a single project or initiative. MOWAA's four pillars outlines our comprehensive approach to ending senior hunger.

On our particular adventure Georgie and I met a Vietnam Veteran in a wheelchair that was as chipper and friendly as a man surrounded by wealth and family should be.  He lived alone.  At another location we met a woman that couldn't muster a smile for even my blonde haired, blue eyed little girl.  She was polite and mild mannered but had no joy on her face or in her disposition.  Her bed was set up in the front living room in front of the TV and her gas burners were all turned on in order to heat her home.  We visited at least three elderly people that lived completely and utterly alone, all of them used walkers, wheelchairs or were bed ridden and almost every one had an animal as their best friend.  I know that people hate to be pitied, but I couldn't help but have that feeling.  It seemed evident that if it wasn't for this program, most of them would definitely live hungry.  On our last visit I couldn't stop tears from welling up in my eyes (I'm a little melodramatic this pregnancy;).  My thoughts were turned to gratitude for great parents that raised me with high standards and ideals that contribute to my life's happiness.  It was a good opportunity for reflection.  I hope some of you find this suggestion helpful in finding service opportunities for you and your family.  Let me know if you have any questions.

xoxo

Ashley