Volunteers are (again) honored at Meals on Wheels luncheon
Dearborn - The volunteers for Wayne County's Meals on Wheels have been recognized for their hard work and dedication to a program that serves nearly 3,000 meals a day.
The special afternoon luncheon at the Michael A. Guido Theater in Dearborn showcased the volunteers, supporters and board members of the Meals program, which nationwide dates to the 1970s. Homebound county residents are provided with a warm meal daily, at minimal cost or free of charge. The 1,300 county volunteers prepare, package and/or deliver the meals. Wayne County has recognized their efforts for twenty years with a lunch and awards ceremony.
Several Wayne County commissioners, including Dearborn's Gary Woronchak, applauded the efforts of the volunteers. Commissioners Cavanagh, Killeen, Leland and Bowman also congratulated the volunteers. Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano offered thanks and encouragement to the volunteers, especially poignant with escalating costs. The volunteers are reimbursed mileage only, which many say helps them squeak by with quickly rising gas expenses.
Meals on Wheels is a lifesaver for those on the receiving end. But often more importantly than the meal, the service offers a friendly smile and a few minutes conversation to a homebound citizen. Many have testified that a Meals' driver is the only link to the buzz of life for a homebound citizen. The program also offers work to the less-advantaged and those in retirement seeking to stay busy.
Wayne County Senior Services/Veterans Affairs Director Kevin Kelley said he can't attend a county event without several citizens thanking him for the Meals on Wheels program, saying: "There's a silent minority who depend on us and, we in turn, depend upon our volunteer drivers. We can't ever say thanks enough. It's very rewarding at the end of the day."
Anyone with questions about Meals on Wheels or other county senior programs, please call (734) 727-735
Event Photos (Click to enlarge)
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