Rolling Lifeline Meals On Wheels Brings Food And Some Friendly Faces To Senior Citizens Who Need A Helping Hand

Harry Ireland still lives on his own, but the 100-year-old Valley resident says his little wooden house can be “a lonely place.”

Except at lunchtime.

That’s when Valley Meals on Wheels volunteers Ron and Betty Mason show up each day to offer warm smiles, a few friendly words and a hot lunch.

Cooking is becoming more and more of a chore for Ireland, a World War I veteran, and the everyday meal not only offers nutrition, but also is important in preserving his independence.

“I have no means of transportation at all. Just my feet,” said Ireland.

Valley Meals on Wheels director Ruth Fearn said the service helps people like Ireland stay out of nursing homes.

“Just $66 a month gives meals to people,” Fearn said. Recipients are asked to pay for the meals if they can, but Fearn said many low-income seniors just can’t afford it.

With help from 150 volunteer drivers, the private, non-profit agency delivers hot lunches to 200 seniors around the Valley every day.

Valley Meals on Wheels kicked off its annual fund-raising campaign Thursday. The board of directors and staff have already donated $7,300. The campaign runs through the end of the year.

Last year, the campaign raised $33,000. This year, Valley Meals on Wheels will need even more. Fearn said this year’s fund-raising goal is $40,000.

For years, Valley Meals on Wheels has operated its delivery program out of free space in the Valley Center. They’ve outgrown the site and want to combine the office with more on-site storage space. Next month, the agency is moving to the Freeway Center at 11704 E. Montgomery, where it will begin paying $425 monthly rent.

Fearn said the agency will be expanding its emergency meals program, which provides clients with a supply of shelf-stable meals they can use in the event that drivers are unable to make deliveries.

As well, the agency will begin offering “sick-day meals” - chicken soup and extra vitamins - for clients who aren’t feeling well enough to eat a regular meal.

Sandy McMillan, a volunteer coordinator, said Meals on Wheels drivers are the only people who have daily contact with some Valley seniors.

Like Ireland, many of those seniors are fighting to remain in the homes they love.

“They will live under any circumstances to stay at home,” McMillan said. “We want to provide nutrition for all seniors who need it.”

Valley resident Dolores Taylor got temporary help from Meals on Wheels last year after she broke her ankle and couldn’t prepare her own lunch. After she recovered, she canceled the service.

But last week Taylor broke her arm when she tripped over the curb in front of her house. Her daughter lives in Pullman, too far away to help every day. Taylor knew just who to call.

“Without Meals on Wheels, I wouldn’t be able to eat at all,” Taylor said. “Thank God for ‘em.”

Ireland has another way to thank the drivers.

Using the little bit of French he remembers from his days overseas during World War I, Ireland always says, “Merci beaucoup” before drivers head out for their next delivery.

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Help needed Anyone wishing to help senior citizens get a nutritious meal delivered to their homes each day can send a donation to: Valley Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 14728, Spokane, WA 99214. For more information about the program or to sign up for delivery service, call 924-6976.