What is Meals on Wheels?
-Cherokee County Meals On Wheels provides a daily (Monday through Friday) hot, nutritious noonday meal and personal contact to homebound persons who have medical approval for this service. We do not rely on government assistance, so we are not affected by government service gaps. Our service is funded by contributions from churches, community groups, businesses, individuals, fundraisers and recipients. The recipients are not charge for their meals, although we do give our recipients the option to donate if they wish to. Who receives Meals on Wheels?
-We primarily serve the elderly, but we do not have an age restriction for service. Persons who live alone, are unable to shop or to prepare meals, are primarily homebound, have no family members or responsible person to prepare meals regularly may qualify to receive this service. Meals are delivered in Gaffney, Blacksburg and many of the surrounding rural areas. How does one receive meals?
-Persons may apply for themselves or be referred by a hospital, doctor, minister, another agency, family member or concerned individual. There is a referral form on our website that you can fill out and we will call you to get more information. Then we send a medical form to your doctor for their approval for your service. How does it work?
-Last year, Cherokee County Meals On Wheels delivered over 131,145 meals with the help of over 700 people who volunteered in our kitchen and on the roads. We rely on volunteers to carry out our mission. From the volunteer board of directors to the drivers, packers, servers and office volunteers, Meals On Wheels serves Cherokee County residents with care and enthusiasm. How can I help?
-Even though you may not need Meals On Wheels for yourself, there are hundreds in Cherokee County who may. You can help by giving a donation which will help provide meals for those unable to pay, or by volunteering as a driver or sub driver, kitchen worker, office volunteer, or any number of other volunteer opportunities. Most drivers deliver one particular route the same day each week. Drivers may travel alone or in pairs. To deliver a route usually takes about one hour in town and 1 1/2 hours for rural routes. Kitchen volunteers usually work two hours in the morning. Volunteers also help with special projects. Men, women, young and old, professionals, homemakers, retirees -- ANYONE -- can be a volunteer. For more information, please visit our website, www.cherokeecountyscmow.org. How can companies help?
-By sponsoring teams of employee volunteer meal deliverers, companies can make a difference in a critical area of need and strengthen their ties to the local community.
