Since the beginning of mankind’s existence upon this colorful spinning orb we call home, there are established a few universal constants relative to all persons, among which include water, food and shelter. Once those three necessities are established, humans are then free to engage in all the other physical and emotional trappings of our existence, including but not limited to forming family units, establishing governments, creating art, building trade alliances with other peoples and, unfortunately, making war upon our fellow earthlings.
This is the pattern that has been followed for eons of existence, with each new generation creating ways to make society a bit better, a bit easier for those who follow behind and for those who are aged and no longer able to do for themselves as they did when younger. Let us look at one of those betterment programs with the hope that somebody out there, maybe a couple of somebodies, will respond.
Food. This is one of those necessities in life that can become much harder to acquire due to all the vagaries of health, and possibly wealth, that beset seniors. Back when hunting and gathering was the means of providing sustenance there were few tribes or societies which did not provide for those whose days of taking up weapons or tools as a means of supplying food were passed them. That spirit of seeing to the welfare of the elderly or infirm exists today here in South Valley and one of the primary outreaches in this effort is seeking volunteers down here in Greenfield and King City areas. I offer here a bit of information about the program with the hope that someone out there realizes the opportunity is not beyond them to get involved and make a difference in the lives of others.
The organization Meals on Wheels (MOW) was founded during the London Blitz of World War II to provide food to women who due to widespread damage to homes were unable to make meals; the name derived from the call to use “prams, carts, bicycles with baskets, and cars” to get the meals to the stricken areas. In 1943 MOW became official government departments in the United Kingdom, in Australia in 1953, 10 years later in 1963 in Canada and in Ireland in 1971. Philadelphia social worker Margaret Toy started the first MOW organization in the USA in 1954; presently the Meals on Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) is headquartered in Alexandria, Va., and is the oldest organization in the country dedicated to providing meals to seniors, especially those at risk of hunger.
A look at the MOW website, or government and university studies, informs of how many meals are served nationwide, and how helping seniors remain at home and out of care facilities or needing in-home assistance, saves millions of dollars in Medicare and Medicaid costs. And while all this information is vital to understanding the mission of MOW, it is a general overview. Here is a local look at one KC resident’s involvement with the local program.
Dave and Karen are a retired couple who are never very idle as far as I can determine what with their numerous involvements, one of which is as a delivery duo for the local area MOW. Dave informs me their commitment is about once a month for about 90 minutes, during which they deliver an average of 12 meals to KC and Pine Canyon residents. That is not an overly demanding schedule for anyone, but even so MOW staff are looking to add to the rolls of volunteers for our southern areas. Those who know me are aware I do not own a vehicle, but I know someone who does and of late that person has stated they would like a bit of diversion in their life and it is entirely possible the two of us will team up with her vehicle and driving skills with my hop-out-and-deliver skills and make life a bit easier for some of our local seniors who wish to remain in their homes as long as possible.
“It is an easy way to supply seniors with five to seven days of healthy meals,” Dave stated. And, he added, it is a duty that comes with the gratification of helping others a bit less fortunate.
If you drive a vehicle and think this program is something you would find both occupying and gratifying and are willing to commit a couple hours on one, two or five days, whatever fits your schedule, then the people to contact are Meals on Wheels of the Salinas Valley (MOWSV) at 831-758-6325 or mowsalinas.org/volunteer. My bet is you won’t regret it.
Also, there is a need for volunteers for a sister program to MOW called ConnectShine, which requires nothing more that a phone and a desire to help. This outreach program is designed to lessen the loneliness and isolation of seniors on the home meal delivery service rolls by putting them in touch with a trained volunteer via regularly scheduled phone calls. This is an even easier position that delivery of meals but an important mission given that some of our limited mobility seniors living alone can greatly benefit from regular friendly, upbeat conversations with another human soul.
Contact MOWSV Marketing/Operations Director Laurie Bend at either the number listed above or email [email protected] if you feel this is something you can do to the benefit of local society.
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As we head into the end of the year, we see that the arts community is gearing up for another fine fall season. Sol Treasures is in rehearsals for the children’s musical “Matilda, Jr.” to be presented in late October. The Stage Hands have chosen their next script and will soon begin casting and rehearsals with production scheduled for November. The Monterey County Dance Theatre is working on their 65th annual production of “The Nutcracker Ballet” in early December. The shows must go on; thankfully.
Take care. Peace.
