Meals on Wheels asks for donations to avoid waiting lists

A man had been on the floor of his home for nearly a day, unable to call for help. His rescuer was the Meals on Wheels driver bringing him food.

The program, which serves as a lifeline, is in the red, said Northside Nutrition Center Assistant Director Linda Sedrick.

“That’s one reason my heart is involved in the program,” said Sedrick. “People who need the service are being placed on a waiting list.

“We are the largest meal delivery program out of 32 agencies. We go up and down serving 400 to 500 meals daily out the door.”

Unfortunately, people think the state and federal governments pay for everything, Sedrick said. Some funds come from the Butler County Senior Tax and Aging Matters, but their contributions are not enough to support the program.

“We apply for grants and they gave us a lift. It is not an easy task, but in America we do have tremendous hearts. If your heart is in it at all, we going to ask you to donate. Know God is in control, and any kind of help we get will help them to be able to stay on if they possibly can.

“So many don’t realize we have older people without food,” Sedrick said. “A lot of their income goes for medicine. They have to choose between that and food. Others cannot get out of the house.”

The needs of the homebound have grown in the last few years, but, “unfortunately the cost of food, wages and upkeep of vehicles have increased,” she said.

The Meals on Wheels program enables many area residents to stay in their homes instead of going to a nursing home or skilled care facility and often prevents hospital stays.

The program provides nourishment for the mind, body and soul of homebound area residents, said Sedrick.

“Meals on Wheels service is a nutritious meal, companionship and a watchful eye on the health and safety of our seniors,” said Sedrick. “For those who have trouble getting around, we bring the service. For those who can still venture out into their communities, we serve in gathering places, such as senior centers and community facilities.”

Meals on Wheels ensures seniors have access to adequate nutrition even when family support, mobility and resources are lacking. Trusted volunteers or staff members show up five days a week with a hot meal and a warm smile.

“Getting a meal makes a difference in them staying home,” she said. “Their homes are familiar to the disabled. It is an extreme hardship for them to not be in their homes.”

Along with the inevitable impacts of aging come the increased risks of medical emergencies, falls and other accidents. The safety check that accompanies each meal delivery ensures in the case of an emergency or problem, medics will be called, families will be notified and seniors will not be forgotten, she said.

To provide this opportunity, “we have to have money,” Sedrick said. Without it, the program is putting seniors, veterans, those with health problems and others with no finances on a waiting list.

“This is heartbreaking for me,” she said, “Some have no family, have outlived their family or have issues through no fault of their own. They worked, paid taxes and made our country what it is today.”

Sedrick understands there are plenty of other worthwhile agencies, but “we could desperately use assistance.”

If a group is looking to support Meals on Wheels, the program is always looking for donors and volunteers, she explained. Individuals or groups giving money may make a one-time donation, monthly or yearly gift, “whatever burden God puts in their heart would truly be appreciated.”

Folks 60 years and over have a suggested donation of $4 and those under 60 have may donate $6. A donation of $20 a week will feed one senior. No amount is to small, Sedrick said.

Volunteers to provide entertainment on Friday are also needed.

Anyone who would like to make a donation to the Northside Nutrition Center may mail funds to its Twin Towers headquarters at 506 E. Hazel St., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901, or call 573-686-2074.

The program is a 501-(C) non profit and donors will receive tax forms.