President’s Letter

Dear Friends, 

Just about everyone has heard of Meals on Wheels it seems. As a brand, it has name recognition right up there with the best products and services found anywhere in the US. At TLC Meals on Wheels we are proud and protective of that gold plated reputation. But maybe we’re so well respected because we are more than a “brand.” We are more than a meal delivery service. 

Our dedicated volunteers, some of whom have been delivering meals for more than 30 years, recognize that, more than delivering just a meal to a senior or someone confined to home, they are delivering a smile, a kind word, and a daily check that everything is okay. Our volunteers provide a brief respite from the loneliness that often accompanies old age or infirmity. 

When I first delivered a meal to 90-year-old Charlie (not his real name), I asked Charlie how things were going. “I tell, ya,” he said, “I’d pay good money to someone just to sit and talk to me.” Charlie’s wife had died less than a year prior and Charlie was isolated in grief and loneliness. Well, I didn’t want Charlie’s money but I did make a point of sitting with him every Monday when I delivered his meal. For 20 or 30 minutes each week he would tell me of his life as a traveling salesman, or his son’s business in Cambodia, or of his experience in combat during World War II. Charlie always seemed cheered and buoyed by our brief chats. Other drivers on that particular route also got to know Charlie in the same way. Eventually Charlie moved to an assisted living facility where, I hope, he is still chatting it up with anyone who will listen. 

I think I am safe in saying that it’s the Charlies in our community, and the Katies and the Walters and the Stellas that keep our incredible volunteers motivated to do what they do. We’re proud of our volunteers and we’re proud of our remarkable staff. 

If you would like to help out with time or money (about half of our clients are not able to pay for any portion of their meals), please contact us at: 303-798-7642. 

Sincerely,

John Fellows

Board President