In 1978, Wise County Committee on Aging Inc., Meals on Wheels started serving homebound senior citizens. Today, it serves more than 80 clients, age 60 and up.
Meals on Wheels provides a hot meal that is reviewed by a registered dietitian. It serves Wise County with four drivers delivering meals Monday through Friday.
They also bring frozen meals for holidays and bad weather days.
Meals on Wheels’ qualifications for the program are simple. Seniors must be over 60 and homebound. There is a simple assessment that must be taken. Referrals are given through hospitals or doctors, but they are not necessary.
Meals are not the only service provided. The drivers perform daily well checks to verify the seniors are healthy and their homes are clean.
Drivers do not leave the food unless they see the client. If the client does not answer when the drivers knock on the door, the next of kin is immediately called.
They also provide transportation for their clients to the doctor’s office, pharmacy or grocery store. Meals on Wheels will help meet the individual needs of their clients when transporting them. Also, the drivers bring copies of the Wise County Messenger Update. Director Donna Brown said clients tell her, “Do not bring me my meal without an Update.” Conversation with the driver is sometimes the only interaction the senior citizens have with another person during the day.
While Meals on Wheels is a non-profit organization, it is not fully funded, so it seeks donations. It costs approximately $7.50 per person, per meal delivered.
Brown said her organization is “always in need of donations, especially with rising gas prices.”
The organization also has an “Adopt a Senior” program where a person or group of people may pledge $150 each month to help provide for one senior. All contributions are tax-deductible. Donors will receive a tax statement at the end of the year.
People wishing to volunteer or donate may visit the website and donate via PayPal or may send a check to the P.O. Box listed.
If you would rather volunteer time, Meals on Wheels is always looking to recruit more members to their board of directors and to increase its local fundraising. Ideas for fundraising are always welcome.
MEALS ON WHEELS
- www.wisemealsonwheels.com
- Provides Meals on Wheels
- P.O. Box 903
300 N. Trinity St.
Decatur, TX 76234 - (940) 627-5329
