Jan. 12, 2023
BY JOHN BAILEY
Sharing a meal and a smile is a pretty fundamental way to show someone you care about them, and there is no better way to do this for our seniors than by being a volunteer for Meals on Wheels.
Back in August of 2022, the Catawba County United Way (CCUW) staff decided to become part of this program and dedicate every second Tuesday of the month as volunteers, delivering for Meals on Wheel.
The Department of Social Services Senior Nutrition Services is a longtime United Way funded partner and includes Meals on Wheels, the frozen meal program and Seniors Morning Out.
For CCUW Director of Operations Kelle Love, the experience has gone beyond her expectations.
“I just thought it was delivering meals to people, but it never occurred to me, sometimes we might be the only people somebody sees, and everybody is so appreciative, so sweet and so kind,” Love said after this month’s delivery.
Back in December, Love was surprised by the number of individuals who had Christmas cards and candy canes to wish the CCUW staff a happy holiday.
“I just love meeting these precious people,” Love said. “You’re just dropping by to say hi, and yes, you’re delivering a meal but you’re also having a conversation even it’s just, ‘Hey. How are you today?’ It’s just really rewarding.”
Between January and June of 2022, 893 individuals benefited from United Way's support of DSS Senior Nutrition Services, according to the annual CCUW partner mid-year report. The programs are available to Catawba County citizens who are age 60 or older.
Learn more about Senior Nutrition Services Meals on Wheels at - THIS LINK.