Published: April 19, 2008 06:00 pm            

Meals on Wheels an act of kindness

April 16, 2008 — Taking food to the elderly, the bed-ridden and the financially unfortunate is their cause.

The people performing this act of kindness are the volunteers of the Meals On Wheels Program.

“Everyone who assists with Meals On Wheels is a hometown hero,” said Meals On Wheels President Marvin Gearhart.

The food program operates solely on fundraisers and donations.

“Meals on Wheels does not receive any government assistance,” Gearhart said. “Each meal costs us $4.”

The program receives meals from local restaurants and a local agency. Meals come from the Smokey Valley Truck Stop, Tyler’s Pizza, IGA and Gateway Community Action’s Northeast Development, which cooks for the elderly.

“We heard about other Meals On Wheels projects in other places. We said we would try it,” he said.

The program has two routes where volunteers travel to deliver meals. One route is called the Olive Hill route. This route is 35 miles round trip and it serves 18 residents. The second route the Grahn route is a 20mile roundtrip, which serves eight residents.

Since the program’s operation began two years ago, there have been as many as 15 teams out delivering meals to residents. Now there are 13 active teams.

“Our goal is to have at least 20 teams,” he said. “Donations are not as plentiful. It takes seven people donating $12 for 12 months to feed one person.”

Individuals who volunteer enjoy it.

“I love it. It’s a wonderful thing. People are always so happy when we come,” said Volunteer Jane Qualls.

“It’s worth it to see the people,” said Volunteer Ray McCoy. “Some may not get the meal if we didn’t bring it to them.”

Olive Hill residents who came to help support the organization were very positive about it.

“It’s very good,” said Larry Stamper.

“It’s for a good cause,” said Carla Stamper.

Donations to Meals On Wheels can be sent to Box 239 Olive Hill, Kentucky 41164 or to get volunteer information or sign someone up for the program contact Marvin Gearhart at 286-2731.

        

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