(BINGHAMTON, NY) Broome County is participating in the National March for Meals campaign throughout the month of March. As part of this campaign the Broome County Office for Aging has asked the community to support local Meals on Wheels programs by volunteering to deliver meals or by making a monetary contribution. “Meals on Wheels Community Champions Week” is from March 18th through the 22nd.
Lisa Schuhle, Director of the Office for Aging states: “The Meals on Wheels programs in Broome County served over 228,000 meals in 2018. This was a 12% increase from the previous year. With the increase in demand we are looking for community support. The program not only serves meals to those needing it over an extended period, but also to many people short term after returning home from a hospital or a rehabilitation stay. Please consider volunteering or making a donation to support the older population in our community.”
Broome County Executive Jason Garnar is showing his support throughout the month, including during Community Champions Week. On March 22nd from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. he will be helping deliver meals to program participants.
“It’s important to take care of all the residents here in Broome County, especially our seniors,” said County Executive Garnar. “This is a great program. I’m happy to help out in any way I can, and I encourage all our Broome County leaders to participate.”
Meals on Wheels is a vital service to the community as it helps seniors remain independent while living in their own homes. Participants and their families enjoy the comfort of knowing that Meals on Wheels volunteers will be dropping by not only to deliver hot, healthy meals, but also to provide a quick check on their well-being
The Office for Aging is partnering with Meals on Wheels of Western Broome in collecting donations for this campaign. Local businesses will also be collecting donations through the “Fill Our Plate for Meals on Wheels” program.
“We provide a service that is not only a comfort but a necessity for seniors in Broome County and the need is quickly increasing. Working together with the Office for Aging Meals on Wheels is what will help both our programs thrive and keep our seniors safe, healthy, and in their own homes for as long as possible," said Jackie Pangilinan, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of Western Broome.
If you would like to make a donation head to the Broome County Office for Aging website at broomecountyny.gov/senior or the Meals on Wheels of Western Broome website at https://mealsonwheelsofwesternbroome.com/. Checks can be mailed to Broome County Office for Aging, 60 Hawley Street, PO Box 1766, Binghamton, NY 13902, simply note it as a “March for Meals” donation.
For more information on making donations or volunteering for Meals on Wheels, please call the Office for Aging at (607) 778-2411.
