Te Leicester November 18 - November 24, 2010 Vol. 3 No. 46


Leader


By Robin Wilson Robin Joy has a genuine inter-


est in the people she serves in her Leicester community where deliv- ering the Meals on Wheels route. “I receive more of a blessing


that I am providing,” says Joy. Joy has been delivering the Le-


icester route for three years and enjoys the people she sees. As a volunteer, Joy delivers meals once a week to the elderly and home- bound. Te route takes about two hours, and she delivers anywhere from 12 to 16 meals. Receiving meals is a vital service


for hundreds of elderly Buncombe County residents each day. Teir need is especially highlighted during the holiday season. Meals on Wheels volunteers


provide their own time, vehicles and gas to deliver hot, nutritious meals. Meals on Wheels of Bun- combe County operates Monday thru Friday with a 10-member staff and a network of over 300 volunteers and serves over 500 meals each weekday to home- bound county residents 60 and older. When volunteers are able to


connect with the people they are delivering meals to, the experi- ence becomes so much richer. Joy has made some real connections and knows the lives of these peo- ple, from their families, results of doctor’s visits, to the names of their beloved pets. “It gives me the opportunity to


do more for them when they need some other help,” she said. She has made friends who she


takes to appointments or visits while they have a short stay at the nursing home. Approximately 85 percent of


the funding for Meals on Wheels is from private donations from individuals, businesses and foun- dations, as well as annual fund- raising events. Fifteen percent of its funding comes through local county and state agencies. For more information on volun-


teering, donating or applying for assistance, call 253-5286 or go to mowabc.org.


www.leicesterleader.com Robin Joy delivers meals to homebound seniors in the Leicester area. ‘Santa for Seniors’ With the holidays fast approaching, it’s


time to begin collecting items for Meals on Wheels’ “Santa For Seniors” project. Tis annual project provides individual gift bags to each of the 525 elderly clients the agency serves throughout Buncombe County. “It’s a magical holiday experience to wit- ness the response of our seniors. Tey spend


most of their days alone and are both sur- prised and grateful to know that someone remembered them during the holidays. For many of our clients who have lost family and friends over the years, it’s the only gift they’ll receive during the holidays,” said Carolyn Termini, project coordinator. Meals On Wheels currently needs dona- tions from individuals and businesses who


can contribute hand knit scarves, lap robes, hats, slipper socks, calendars, handker- chiefs, personal care items, manicure sets, clip boards, crossword puzzle books, etc. to be included in each of the 525 holiday bags that will be distributed. Items can be dropped off at the Meals On Wheels offices on 146 Victoria Road in Asheville until Monday (Nov. 22).


November 18 - November 24, 2010 - THE TRIBUNE/LEADER 17


WEEKLY COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 50¢ Leicester • Erwin Hills • Alexander • Woodfin • West Buncombe • Newfound Fifty Cents Meals volunteers connect with community


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