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August 19, 2012

Facing cutbacks, Meals on Wheels seeks donations

Mineral Wells Index

Special to the Index

It’s good to feel needed, but it’s not a good situation right now for Meals on Wheels of Palo Pinto County.

Throughout the county, Meals on Wheels provides life-sustaining meals to seniors who are home-bound and unable to prepare meals. Through countless meals and miles, they strive to maintain a No Waiting List policy.

“Our goal is to feed every hungry senior in Palo Pinto County that needs us, without interruption or delay,” said Meals on Wheels Executive Director Misty Clark. “But in order for us to remain successful in our mission, we need the community to rally together to ensure that no senior goes hungry.”

Economic slowdowns can be tough for everyone, but especially harsh for seniors living on fixed incomes. Our elderly neighbors also feel the effects of trends such as longer life spans with added health costs and declining benefits, or the increased family mobility that leaves some older people on their own but unable to care for themselves.

Some who receive a hot, nutritious lunch delivered by a friendly volunteer say they don’t know what they would do without the Meals on Wheels program.

“I would be hungry a lot,” said Mrs. Reed, a client. “It takes me an hour just to fix an egg, a piece of toast and a cup of coffee, then it’s cold.”

Another client, Mrs. Nelson worries that, “I would be forced to try and fix my own meals; I get dizzy and I am afraid I will fall while cooking on the gas stove and no one would be here to help me.”

Where once Meals on Wheels deliveries were used to supplement senior nutrition, they now often serve as a client’s chief source of food.

Meals On Wheels nationally has reduced the number of meals provided to those in need. Until now, Meals on Wheels of Palo Pinto County has avoided a reduction in service, but has operated under a budget deficient.

“With decreasing funding, growing need and rising costs, we just don’t have the capacity to serve the demand,” said Peggy Harvey, president of the MOWPPC board of directors. “Without a dramatic upswing in local donations, Meals on Wheels will be forced to cut services. The loss of these meals could be the last straw for many seniors trying to stay in their own homes. Rather than taking this drastic step, Meals on Wheels is looking to the local community to help feed their elderly neighbors.”

 Meals on Wheels is asking for the community’s help. Every five dollars donated will provide a meal for someone who might otherwise be forced on a waiting list to receive services. Donations may be mailed to Meals on Wheels of Palo Pinto County at 1410 S.E. Martin Luther King Jr. St., Mineral Wells, TX 76067 or visit www.mowppc.com to donate via Paypal. If able, consider pledging a monthly gift and subscribe to automatic payments through Paypal.

“Friends like you are the only way we have survived difficult times before and we are confident that your help will allow us to continue serving our highly vulnerable homebound seniors,” said Clark.

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