MORGANTOWN — Tuesday afternoon was the Volunteer Recognition Luncheon and Annual Business Meeting for the Morgantown Area Meals on Wheels. The organization met at St. Francis de Sales Church and enjoyed live music as well as a potato bar lunch.
Outgoing president Janice Christopher said it was a day to honor their volunteers, because without them Meals on Wheels would not be possible. Drivers donate their time, gas, and own vehicles to make Meals on Wheels successful. They travel nearly a thousand miles per week delivering food to those who need a meal every day.
“I just want to remind you today that you are indeed very, very important, every one of you. Today, we hope this is a small token of appreciation for your volunteerism with us,” she said.
She said those who worked in the past have laid the foundation for the organization to continue, and those who are current volunteers are helping with the programs continuation. Today they have volunteers with them that range in age from 8 to 88.
In the work they do she said they are role models for those around them. She said her inspiration for her service as a volunteer was from her mother. She said when we observe what we call moral beauty, it motivates us to want to help others as well, paraphrasing Thomas Jefferson. She said it is important to set goals and look to the future so they can better serve the community.
“We delivered 10 percent more meals in 2017 than in 2016 and we have no reason to think that growth will not continue,” she said.
In attendance was teacher Angela Best with two third-graders Blake Bergstrom, 8, and Hazel Iafrate, 9. The Third-Grade of Montainview Elementary School has adopted Meals on Wheels as a service project and the students came to show their handmade placemats they made for clients. They have also made other crafts as well as held fundraisers.
“When a community unites as one it shows strength, love, and support. It shows not only do we care for others but that we are there for one another,” said Best.
The kids got up and said a few words about what they love about helping Meals on Wheels, in conjunction with helping others.
Blake said he liked meals on wheels because he said helping others makes him feel good. Hazel said she likes helping brighten people’s days. She said she thinks it is important to help others because she is reminded regularly by speech, sight, and actions that a lot of people don’t have a lot of things she has and there are ways she can help with those problems.
Christopher introduced their new manager Sara Bishop, and recognized many other members. Awards were received as well. Past presidents were recognized as well as the cooks who make the meals for Meals on Wheels possible.
Christopher welcomed their new president Mavis Grant-Lilley, as well as the incoming officers for the new year. The meeting was finished with the Meals on Wheels Volunteer Driver song led by Patricia Thomas, she has been cooking with the organization for over 25 years.
Christopher says she will stay with the organization as a past president. She encourages the growth of Meals on Wheels and said it’s never too late and never too early to be a volunteer.
