Texanthropy Spotlight: March for Meals
You may already know that Meals on Wheels is a cause that is very near and dear to my heart. I have been a Meals on Wheels volunteer for almost a decade. Because I love this program so much, I am always looking for ways to get the word out about how wonderful it is, and the invaluable services it provides to seniors.
During the month of March, Meals on Wheels programs across the country participate in March for Meals, where they hold fundraising events, walks or races, rallies, galas and more to raise awareness and funding. So Texanthropy is helping to spread the news with this week's #TexanthropySpotlight!
There are Meals on Wheels programs all across Texas, but the one that I volunteer for here in Austin is called Meals on Wheels Central Texas (formerly Meals on Wheels and More). The “and more” is because, while their services include the home-delivered meals for seniors and others with disabilities, they also provide many other important services for those in need in Central Texas. Among some of the many “and more” services they offer are the PALS Program, which provides dog food and transportation to vet visits for clients who have pets, and Mike’s Place, a program for Austinites with Alzheimer’s Disease and other types of memory loss and dementia, among others.
Being a Meals on Wheels volunteer is truly the highlight of my day each time I get to see my clients. But the people I visit are more than clients, they are my friends. And just like you would do with any friend, in addition to dropping off a meal, I have helped them get their TVs back up and running and brought their trash cans up from the street, because Meals on Wheels also provides an extra set of eyes and ears to check on these friends.
During March for Meals, ask around and find out who your community’s Meals on Wheels manager is, and sign up to volunteer if you are able. You’ll quickly find out that you’re not just providing a nutritious meal to feed a hungry client, but also a moment of conversation to feed a hungry soul.