Retired and Making a Difference!
Janet and Patty are two friends who deliver Mobile Meals for WNCSource in Transylvania County. The two started delivering Mobile Meals last October after Hurricane Helene as part of a Baptists on Mission project to serve residents in rural Transylvania County. Once a week, they meet at the Quebec Community Center around 10AM to pick-up a cooler filled with meals for delivery to nearly a dozen homebound seniors in the Quebec and Rosman area. The route takes less than two hours. Janet drives while Patty hops out at each stop to take the meal to the door and say hello. Most clients are over the age of 85 and live alone so their Mobile Meals volunteer may be the only person they see and talk with that day.
A few weeks ago, Janet was delivering a meal to Ms. Hannah who did not come to the door. After repeated knocking, Janet saw that the door was unlocked and cautiously entered the client’s home only to find the 87 year-old woman lethargic and lying in bed. Janet called 911 and an ambulance transported Hannah to the hospital where she was diagnosed with pneumonia. After a few days of care, Hannah returned home and is feeling much better. She is grateful that Janet found her and was able to call for help!
Mobile Meals service means so much to people like Ms. Lois who used to work at College Walk as a cook and fed hundreds of people daily. “I’m much better off than most, at least I can walk and cook a little.” Lois enjoys the nutritious lunch and looks forward to the daily interaction with Mobile Meals volunteers.
Ms. Annie (87) used to deliver Meals on Wheels in Brevard several years ago and now relies on Mobile Meals for extra support to help her age-in-place in the comfort of her own home. “I used to love delivering meals, but never thought I would need the service. The daily checks and good food make it easier to live alone. My family knows I’m safe.”
When asked why they enjoy delivering lunch to the homebound, Janet smiled and said “I love meeting the people – they’re always so glad to see you and so appreciative of the chance to visit.” Patty says “Delivering meals gets me out of the house to make a difference and help others. Plus it’s so much fun to do with a friend!”
Volunteers Urgently Needed!
WNCSource has a growing waiting list of homebound seniors who need home delivered meals. Most are over age 85 and are just trying to age in place. We are looking for up to 20 volunteers to deliver Mobile Meals once a week to seniors in the Rosman and Quebec areas of Transylvania County. Routes take less than 2 hours to deliver and offer so much joy and satisfaction in knowing that you’re making someone’s life a little better! Call WNCSource Older Adults Services at (828) 884-2255 or visit our Older Adults Services page for more information!
