To the Editor:

There is no denying that Meals on Wheels, located in Sentara Obici Hospital on the Garden Level, runs on the dedication of our 290 awesome volunteers.

Last year, more than 44,000 meals were delivered to 217 recipients in the Isle of Wight Region and Suffolk. Their mission is to create awareness of senior nutrition and raise funds to provide meal delivery to a growing population.

Many homebound seniors and the disabled are dependent on meal delivery for their nutrition. Meals on Wheels subsidizes 100 percent of meals delivered. It receives no financial assistance from city, state or federal Governments, nor is it a United Way agency. Grants, donations and recipient fees are its monetary support.

Meals on Wheels is a magnet-accredited member of the Meals on Wheels Association of America and has a reputation for being a well-managed quality operation. Because it is a 501(c)(3), contributions are tax-deductible. The delivery provides recipients with the comfort and security of remaining in their own home and peace of mind that a caring volunteer will check on them daily.

In March, Meals on Wheels volunteers will be celebrating their 25th year delivering meals. Today they reflect on the many milestones and memories they have shared with their recipients and volunteers throughout the years — none of which would be possible without the generous support of our local businesses and the community.

To celebrate this milestone, there will be a 25th Anniversary Reception on Thursday, March 1, at Sentara Obici — Garden Level in CD Conference Room from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

In continuing with the March celebration, Meals on Wheels will be presenting its second annual charity event, “The Rocky Hock Opry,” on Friday, March 9, at Kings Fork Middle School in Suffolk. Tickets are $15. No tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets are available at the Meals on Wheels office, Sentara Obici – Garden Level (934-4911); Beale & Curran PC in Smithfield (357-3861); Windsor Pharmacy in Windsor (242-6191); Nationwide Insurance on West Washington Street, Suffolk (934-0755); and Farmers Hardware in Holland (657-6503).

Roseland Lowe Worrell
Executive Director
Suffolk Meals on Wheels
Suffolk