Now More Than Ever: Meals on Wheels of Lexington is powered by volunteers
Many of us are lucky enough to not have to worry about where our next meal is coming from. Food security is not an issue, and we are healthy and young enough to cook for ourselves or buy a meal. However, for many older residents of Lexington, they depend on the daily weekday meals from Meals on Wheels of Lexington, and most importantly, they depend on the Meals on Wheels of Lexington’s volunteers.
One would be hard pressed to find another non-profit organization in our area that depends on volunteers as much as Meals on Wheels of Lexington. The organization served 1,700 meals in the last month and delivered meals to 147 different clients in the last year. There are eight local churches that are responsible for providing volunteers for seven different routes through the city. Currently, Meals on Wheels of Lexington is using well over 100 volunteers.
These volunteers pick up meals that are prepared at First Reformed United Church of Christ every weekday by the one paid employee Meals on Wheels of Lexington has. Her name is Jamie Hollman and she has been with the organization for six years. She says, “I really get an enjoyment out of being able to help others. I get to make sure they are fed and the meals are important, but I think the other thing is just as important is sending our volunteers every day to deliver the meals and check on the clients. I think that is very important to our clients and I have seen a lot of our clients and our volunteers become like family.”
The clients certainly appreciate it. Lula Pitman is a 96 year old Lexington resident that receives meals from the program. When asked if the meals made a difference, she responded, “Oh yes! And I like getting to see people every day that come by and deliver the meals. It really means a lot to me. Now you be safe out there.” She ends every conversation with the volunteers that deliver her meals telling them to “be safe out there.”
The volunteers also certainly get a lot out of giving their time and talents as well. Helen Greco coordinates the route that Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church is responsible for, and she has volunteered with Meals on Wheels of Lexington for over 20 years. She says, “It’s how I live out my faith. It’s a reward to be able to help people. The meal is important but checking in on these people every day is important as well. I know the families of the clients really appreciate it.” Jim Honeycutt, who coordinates the route that First Baptist Church on West 3rd Ave. is responsible for, echoes Mrs. Greco’s sentiment. He has volunteered with the program for over ten years and became the route coordinator for his church after fully retiring from being a judge. He says, “I find it very satisfying to work with other church members to help so many nice people who haven't had the financial, health and family breaks that we have had. They are truly nice, appreciative people, and we get to know them more and more the longer they are our clients. I am pleased to join with many other folks from FBC in working directly in a ministry that feeds deserving people in Lexington. I plan to continue volunteering for the foreseeable future. Part of what we are to do as Christians is to care for "the least of these" in this world, and if I can do this by giving a little time to deliver a hot meal and a smile, then I am happy to do so.”
Almost everyone who volunteers for Meals on Wheels of Lexington would share similar thoughts. It is such a unique program that really depends on its volunteers to operate on a daily basis, and a unique bond is formed between the clients and volunteers. As Jamie said, many of them truly become family. Now, more than ever, your help is needed to make sure that this program continues to flourish and serve meals to those who need them. No one should have to worry about food, and when you give to United Way of Davidson County you are making sure that people have resources like Meals on Wheels of Lexington. United Way of Davidson County helps to fund the Meals on Wheels program, both in Lexington and Thomasville. They also help to fund several food pantries and resource centers where people can get food, but United Way of Davidson County cannot do that without donors like you. Just as the volunteers are so important to Meals on Wheels of Lexington, United Way of Davidson County’s campaign is dependent on its donors. When you become a donor of United Way of Davidson County you become responsible for making sure people in need are getting a hot meal, and you become part of that family of volunteers who make it all possible.
