With the Fund Drive in full swing, we checked in with past grantees and their constituents about how the generosity of the community has helped them. This week, we hear from Kim Morris of Chestnut …
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With the Fund Drive in full swing, we checked in with past grantees and their constituents about how the generosity of the community has helped them. This week, we hear from Kim Morris of Chestnut Hill Meals on Wheels and Barbara Evans of Mt. Airy Presbyterian Church. Meals on Wheels received a $5,500 grant to subsidize hot meals to homebound seniors. Fifty percent of the 41 weekly deliveries they make are in Chestnut Hill, Mt. Airy, and Germantown. Last year, they delivered 16,000 meals.
When support comes from afar, it is greatly appreciated. But when it comes from nearby, from those who know you best, who work with you each day, who understand the roots of your mission, and who have walked with you each step of the way – that is when it means the most.
And that is what the Chestnut Hill Community Fund has done for Chestnut Hill Meals on Wheels. We are solely dependent upon the generosity of foundations and our community to enable us to carry out our mission to bring nutritious meals to neighbors wishing and sometimes struggling to remain independent despite age, physical, or environmental challenges. As a 2012 recipient of a generous grant from the Fund, offsetting some of our operating expenses, our fundraising burden was significantly impacted allowing us to focus on the delivery of our mission to those needing our services.
It is through the joining of hands of neighbors such as the Chestnut Hill Community Fund and Chestnut Hill Meals on Wheels that our community is strengthened, made whole, and comes full circle.
Kim Morris
Chairperson of the Board
Chestnut Hill Meals on Wheels
Two plus years ago a small group of concerned people from the community felt the need to help those from our church who were unable to care for themselves. Several of our people had
no support system and we found they were "doing without" especially with their meals due to Medicare cuts.
The Chestnut Hill Meals on Wheels Program has cared for one particular family who would not have food each day. The woman is legally blind and her husband is disabled. They have been receiving meals for more than a year because of a grant. The chef considers nutritional needs, and the meals are delicious. As a result, their nutritional status has improved many-fold. This couple praises the chef every day.
Meals on Wheels provides more than good food to our seniors. The volunteers spend happy, valuable time with the recipients. They become friends and deliver good cheer and good food. The couple that I visit waits for the volunteers each day. More of our seniors deserve this service. The result of good nutrition is a miracle. We cannot feed the whole world but we can feed those in our community whose lives depend on those who care for them. The Meals on Wheels program staff follows up with the seniors or contact persons to see that their needs are being met and that their good health is ongoing.
Barbara Evans
At-Home Ministry
Mt. Airy Presbyterian Church
To make a donation to the Chestnut Hill Community Fund, visit www.chestnuthill.org or Town Hall at 8434 Germantown Avenue.