Delivering a much-needed difference

President Ronald Reagan said, “No matter how big and powerful the government gets, and the many services it provides, it can never take the place of volunteers.” The simple act of selflessly helping others is not a new concept, people have been doing that since the beginning of time. Worldly issues such as natural disasters, diseases and poverty that present major roadblocks to peace and prosperity is why volunteerism has played such a major role throughout history.

Nutrition & Services for Seniors is a nonprofit agency dedicated to providing innovative, effective programs that assist older adults in leading quality lives while maintaining dignity and independence. In 1983, a group of civic-minded residents, concerned for the well-being of seniors in our community, set upon a path to expand services to local seniors and disabled adults. By providing congregate meals, home delivered meals, transportation, nutrition education and information and referrals, they are able to give seniors the opportunity to remain independent in their own homes in both Hardin and Jefferson Counties.

Scheduled for Thursday, May 4, Nutrition and Services for Seniors will host its 12th annual Deliver the Difference Luncheon at the downtown Beaumont Event Centre at 11:30 a.m. The event is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the nonprofit’s Meals on Wheels Program. It also helps supporters learn about their different programs as well as educate those in attendance about volunteering.

Despite the luncheon being sold out, sponsorships, volunteers and donations are always needed. For more details, view seniormeals.org or call (409) 892-4455. Patrons will enjoy a catered lunch with an awards presentation honoring Sherrie and Jeff Branick.

“The Branicks are so deserving,” said Janci Kimball, president and CEO of N&SS. “They have done so much for this community and are very giving. They are community heroes.”

This year’s honorary luncheon co-chairs are Susan and Wayne Margolis.

“Dr. Margolis is out in the community saving lives and his wife, Susan, is a nurse by trade, so it’s in her nature to give back,” said Kimball. “They help pick blueberries several times a year and we then distribute those to our clients. They give everywhere they can.”

According to Kimball, approximately 1,700-1,900 meals are delivered each day in the Meals on Wheels need-base program. “There are no restrictions in the program,” said Kimball. “You don’t have to be on Medicaid. If you need our services, we will service you, but most of those we serve are at or below the poverty level.”

Funds are now extremely important for the program.

“Covid funding is drying up,” she said. “We have an influx of people needing our services, and, if funding is cut, and we can’t pay for it, who gets fed? We certainly don’t want anyone to have to be on our waiting is. It’s a very tough decision to make. Everything happening in the economy also hits us directly in the pocketbook – gas, drivers and transportation costs. The last thing we want to do is tell a senior they have to wait to eat.”

Epitomizing the tag line of, “More than just a meal,” volunteer meal delivery, many times, serves as the only human interaction the seniors have. “We may be the only family they have,” added Kimball. “We train all our deliverers to make a difference and to observe and spot anything that may be out of the ordinary.”

Though the heart of Nutrition & Services for Seniors lies with not only much-needed funds, but with its volunteers. “Volunteers deliver about 60- to 70% of the routes,” said Kimball. “The volunteers are the heartbeat and we are in desperate need. We can work around your schedule and create a route where you live and work. Another great idea is for offices and companies to form teams, as well.”

Another viable program for N&SS is “AniMeals,” which was inspired by a similar program offered by the Helen Woodward Animal Center in San Diego, California. The service offers pet food at no charge for the pets of the seniors who receive homebound meals and cannot afford to purchase pet food.

“We noticed some of our seniors were sharing their meal with their animals, therefore AniMeals enable seniors to receive their complete hot noon meal while providing their companions with their own nutritionally appropriate food,” said Kimball.

Other programs include the Potato Day fundraiser, fan drive, pie and cookie sell, and their “Grow to Share Garden,” which is a community garden that allows delivery of fresh fruits and vegetables when available. More than a dozen or so beds grow organic broccoli, carrots, onions, lettuce, strawberries, blueberries, tomatoes, cucumbers and more.

“These people need us,” said Kimball. “Our seniors are one of the most forgotten demographics out there. What would they do, those who depended on us every day? It’s a very scary thought. This is why we fight very hard for every dollar and every volunteer.”

For more information about the luncheon or volunteering, view seniormeals.org or call (409) 892-4455.