Meals on Wheels a ‘wonderful surprise’

The Spokane Valley Meals on Wheels program took a huge step forward with its fundraising goals this year when it received $10,000 from a Spokane Valley Rotary Club fund.

The Tuesday donation brings the program’s fundraising total to about $20,000 raised so far this year, with another $37,000 to go, said Pam Almeida, executive director of the Spokane Valley Meals on Wheels program. The $10,000 donation is very significant, she said.

“It will provide meals for 10 people each year, which is wonderful,” she said.

The organization must depend on donations as federal funds are cut back more and more each year, she said, and the large gift was good news for the area’s hungry seniors.

“It was a wonderful surprise, it was just outstanding,” Almeida said. “When you’re trying to raise money, it’s really nice to know that you’re supported in the community and that people are willing to go above and beyond what you ask.”

The large donation comes on the heels of a surge in drivers willing to volunteer to serve meals to area seniors. About 35 people are new volunteers with Meals on Wheels, driving food to shut-in seniors around the area.

The donation is from the Rotary’s Hank Grinalds Fund, which is used to help fund projects that benefit seniors, said Herb McIntosh with the Rotary Club.

“The Rotary Club is excited to do things that help the community and we’re thrilled when we can do it for the seniors,” McIntosh said.

Money from the Grinalds fund also went to help fund a new defibrillator at the Spokane Valley Senior Center, he said.

As for Meals on Wheels, there is still a lot of money left to raise, Almeida said.

Of course, Meals on Wheels will take donations any time of year, also, Almeida said. For information on ways to donate, contact Almeida at 924-6976.