Dyess kids participate in Meals-on-Wheels program

  • Published
  • By Airman Charles V. Rivezzo
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  From the beginning of June until the last week of August, children ages 9-18 from the youth center here perform a Meals-on-Wheels route every Thursday morning in the city of Abilene.

"Right now we deliver to 11 homes throughout the Abilene community," said Tammy Smith, youth center teen coordinator. "Starting next week, we will be doubling up to 23 homes, all within the local area."

The children volunteers, accompanied by youth center staff, pick up ready-made meals to deliver throughout the county to seniors 60 and older who are physically homebound and unable to cook or shop for themselves.

"It's great for the kids to get out and experience firsthand the impact they have on these senior citizen's lives," Mrs. Smith said. "The short time spent with these senior citizens each week brings much them more than a meal, but a smile as well."

According to www.mowaa.org, the Meals-on-Wheels Association of America is the oldest and largest organization in the United States representing those who offer meal services to people in need. Since 1976, MOWAA has worked to arm local senior nutrition programs with the resources, tools and information they need to provide meals and make a difference in the lives of our neighbors, veterans and our nation's seniors who are facing the threat of hunger.

"This is truly a remarkable program," said Donna Dules, a MOW recipient. "It's a real joy to see young men and women volunteering their time to make a difference in our lives."

For more information about the Meals-on-Wheels program, call the youth center at (325) 696-4797.