Meals on Wheels volunteers honored
By Staff Reports
Published in News on May 5, 2010 1:46 PM
Two outstanding volunteers with WAGES' Meals on Wheels programs were recognized during the annual appreciation luncheon on Friday at New Hope Friends Church.
An estimated 200 volunteers attended the event.
Over the past year, more than 74,000 meals were served around the county, with an estimated 167 of those to residents over 85 years old, said Brownie Doss, WAGES director of older adult services.
"That demonstrates that the Meals on Wheels program is helping elderly folks remain at home rather than going to a long-term care facility," she said.
One of those, the program's oldest recipient, who was 102 years old, passed away in March. Her wish had been to remain at home, Ms. Doss said.
In the coming year, a new route will be established in Mount Olive, courtesy of a grant from United Way of Wayne County, she added.
Honored for their outstanding service as volunteers were Joyce Garris and Edward Dees, named volunteers of the year.
Ms. Garris has served as coordinator of the Elroy Meals on Wheels route volunteers, on the Nutrition Program Advisory Council and worked behind the scenes to support the program. She has recruited and organized volunteers for the route since it was established in Aug. 1997 and also organizes meals for recipients during the holidays when WAGES is closed.
Dees also serves on the Nutrition Program Advisory Council and delivers meals several times a week. He was responsible for recruiting and organizing the volunteers for a route in the Central Heights/New Hope area that was launched in Jan. 1997. He continues to deliver meals and recruit volunteers for this route as well as assist with other routes when needed.