Area Officials Visit Homebound Elderly, Disabled

Throughout the month of March, Pickens County Meals on Wheels (PCMOW) held its annual March for Meals Campaign. Created by the Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA), this campaign is designed to raise awareness about senior hunger by connecting local businesses and public officials with Senior Nutrition Programs like Pickens County Meals on Wheels.

Mayors For Meals is one of the key components of the March for Meals campaign. During the week of March 18 through March 22, Meals on Wheels hosted mayors and other elected officials as they delivered meals, thanked volunteers and learned more about the part Meals on Wheels plays in helping the homebound elderly and disabled remain healthy, fed, safe and independent. Each day focused on a specific community:

On Tuesday, March 19, Mayor David Owens (Pickens) and Councilman Randy Crenshaw (District 3) delivered meals in Pickens. Along the way, they made a very special delivery to the agencies’ oldest client, who will turn 101 years young in May.

On Wednesday, March 20, Mayor Larry Bagwell (Easley) visited the Meals on Wheels office to help organize meals and drinks for the day’s deliveries. He also helped distribute these items to the 10 volunteers that picked up, thanking them for their community service.

On Thursday, March 21, Mayor Roy Stoddard (Six Mile) faithfully delivers the “Six Mile A” route every Monday, but on this particular week, he changed his schedule to help Meals on Wheels achieve route coverage in the Six Mile area.

Also joining the organization this day was Councilman Tom Ponder (District 6). He spent his lunch hour riding with longtime volunteer, Sid Miller, delivering meals and smiles to those in the greater Dacusville Community.

On Friday, March 22, Mayor Michael Sheriff (Liberty) and Walker Smith (of Congressman Jeff Duncan’s office) delivered meals in Liberty. Along the way, they provided a listening ear to those that would not see anyone else the rest of the day.

“We were very excited to have so many mayors and elected officials available to participate this year,” says Bowers. “It was a very informative and learning experience for us all.”

“Funding and volunteers are critical ingredients to the program’s success. We cannot operate without either,” says Bowers, “March is the perfect time to spring into action. I would encourage everyone to experience firsthand the impact Meals on Wheels makes all year long.”

According to Bowers, there will be challenges and opportunities ahead as our population ages. By the year 2030, 1 in 5 adults will be over the age of 60, nearly 20% of the population. Communities will need to work closely to meet the growing need.

“In this tough economy, the food and human contact we provide to seniors in Pickens County is needed more than ever,” says Bowers. “Our clients count on us each weekday. We are committed to providing this critical service to those who need us.”

Pickens County Meals on Wheels, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, charitable organization funded completely through fundraising events, grants and donations from individuals, churches, church organizations, businesses, civic groups, and the United Way. The organization does not seek or receive any state or federal funding and relies entirely on the generosity of the community they serve.

Meals on Wheels carries out its mission of caring for homebound elderly and disabled individuals via 22 routes, serving all communities in Pickens County. To find out more about Meals on Wheels and they work they do each weekday, visit www.pcmow.org; call 855-3770 or email meta@pcmow.org.