State College Area Meals on Wheels Provides Food for Senior Citizens in Centre County
By: Hunter Hulbert, Corey Chwazik and Derrick Dixon
STATE COLLEGE – At the corner of Garner Street and Foster Avenue, Grace Lutheran Church has always served as a staple in the State College community. But many do not know just how much they do for the surrounding residents.
In the basement of the church, members and volunteers formed a non-profit organization, called Meals on Wheels, which provides free meals for senior citizens in the Centre County region. The program prepares and delivers nearly 47,000 meals each year to this region as well as the surrounding boroughs.
Ellen Jarrett always volunteers with a smile on her face. Photo Credit: Hunter Hulbert
Longtime volunteer Ellen Jarrett got involved with this organization after her mother developed osteoporosis. She saw the need to help her as well as others in the elderly community that are often overlooked.
“One looks around the town and thinks there is really nobody here that needs Meals on Wheels but that is not the case,” said Jarrett. “You go out on the routes and you see some very needy people.”
This award-winning Meals on Wheels program prepares, packages and delivers one hot meal and one bag supper meal five days a week all year-round. The goal is to help the clients maintain good health so that they can remain in their homes and live as comfortably for as long as possible.
State College Area Meals on Wheels Executive Director Christine Tyler says that this is the main focus for the 150 senior citizens that they serve.
“A lot of our clients are physically incapable of making it to the kitchen let alone the grocery store,” said Tyler. “Being able to provide these people with healthy meals is the least we can do to help out surrounding community.”
Volunteers preparing the meals for delivery. Photo Credit: Corey Chwazik
Meals on Wheels would not be as successful without the help of volunteers, though. The program prides itself on strong volunteer involvement as well as their good reputation. This has enabled the staff to expand their clientele to 150 people because people are drawn to the program and want to help in any way they can.
This passion for serving their community has created many dedicated volunteers. Jarrett says that the volunteering is an enriching experience because it is an act of kindness that gives back to those who participate.
“When you come back after delivering Meals on Wheels your heart is filled with a lot of, I would say, goodness,” said Jarrett.
Container that keeps meals warm before they are distributed. Photo Credit: Derrick Dixon
If you want to get involved with Meals on Wheels please visit their website at www.scmow.org.