Meals-on-Wheels Begins Rural Service

October 31, 2008 - Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties is expanding its services to the outlying areas of Ellis County with the implementation of a new "rural" meal route. This route is designed to reach homebound people living outside the communities currently served by volunteer drivers. "This now gives us total coverage of Ellis County, and will better help us meet the needs of everyone—no matter where they live," explains Tracy Robinson, client services director for Meals-on-Wheels.

Unlike the 32 other Ellis County routes, this one is delivered by a Meals-on-Wheels staff member, and may well cover over 125 miles per day. A new vehicle was purchased to make the route possible, and was partially underwritten through the generosity of The Waxahachie Foundation and HILCO Operation Round Up. "We are very appreciative to the Foundation, HILCO and the community to make this possible," added Robinson.

Currently, noontime meal delivery to residents is being served Monday through Friday in twelve Ellis County communities. Prepared meals are picked up daily by volunteers at convenient pick up points and served between eleven A.M. and the noon hour. Delivery times take no longer than one hour. Volunteers are provided with detailed directions and instructions, and help when they can, whether it is weekly, a couple of times a month, or simply on an as needed basis.

"Although this rural route allows us full coverage in Ellis County, we still need volunteers to meet the growing needs in all areas, because without our wonderful volunteers, we would only be able to serve a fraction of the people we do. For our volunteers who deliver meals, they are not only helping to feed the hungry, they are breaking the isolation that many of these people feel. Volunteers truly can make the difference," added Sarah Drew-Watson, Ellis County volunteer coordinator.

If you are interested in volunteering, or if you now of someone who could benefit from Meals-on-Wheels, please call (972) 351-9943 or online at www.servingthechildrenofyesterday.org. Meals-on-Wheels is a community-based nonprofit organization serving the residents of Ellis and Johnson Counties since 1977.

Contact name: Amy Jackson
Phone number: (972) 351-9943
Email:  amy@mowjec.org