Elizabeth Bailey
A fried chicken Monday lunch was the reward to 35 volunteers for their dedication to Meals on Wheels in the Greensburg area.
Meals on Wheels has been active here for approximately 30 years, director Diana Robbins explained. It began through an organization of church women preparing in the kitchen of the old YMCA and sending them out into the community. From there, the organization developed a board and relocated to the former Oddfellows Home, now Arbor Grove Village. The program has evolved over time and now offers meals planned by a dietitian and prepared at Decatur County Memorial Hospital, relying on volunteers to deliver the meals.
Three routes of 10 to 12 people each run out of the hospital Monday through Friday, requiring approximately 35 volunteer drivers. All of its routes are within the city of Greensburg.
Robbins is involved both with Meals on Wheels and the Adult Center’s meal program, enabling full cooperation between the organizations to serve those in need in the community. The main difference, Robbins said, is that the Adult Center covers the county and is a paid program funded by the government while Meals on Wheels delivers only in town and is made up of volunteers.
Funding for the organization, which is not connected to the national Meals on Wheels program, is provided by client payment, United Fund contributions, the Agency on Aging and Community as well as private donations. For those over 60 years of age, meals are $2.20 each. For those under the age of 60, meals are $4 apiece. Since meals are prepared at the hospital, Meals on Wheels can provide food for any dietary requirement.
During the meal on Monday, certificates of appreciation were given to St. Mary’s School, Irwin Union Bank, First Christian Church, First Baptist Church, Greensburg Presbyterian Church, Ponderosa, WalMart, Tri Kappa, Eagles, MainSource Bank and First Federal Savings and Loan in recognition of their support to the organization.
In addition, all of the volunteers were given a $10 gas card, funded by MainSource Bank, First Federal Savings and Loan and Meals on Wheels. Robbins explained that throughout the high gas prices during 2008, the volunteers continued to drive their routes without complaint. For their dedication to feeding their community, Robbins noted, the organization wanted to offer a gift in appreciation of their efforts.
Volunteers for Meals on Wheels
Marlene Wolter
Doug and JoAnn Fry
Marilyn Woods
Judy Muckerheide
Rosie Nieman
Alice and Dick Rust
Dorothy Billings
Claude and Dottie Bilbrey
Bob and Joan Navarra
Al and Ruth Knecht
Carol Bishop
Roy Connor
Roger and Mary Ann Welage
Joe and Betty Burkhart
Phyillis Doerflinger
Herb Scheidler
Dick and Mary Jo Dietz
Fred and Sara Diewert
Susan Wilson
Ernie Clemons
Heather Miller
Emily Robbins
Teresa Buell
Ann Westhafer
Jim and Jere Sturges
Marilyn Moeller
Sharon Wickens
Marlene Cochran
Carol Blankman
Joyce Denton
Jean Evans
Del Moeller
