Hello, Friends,

 

As we step into the new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible work done by our volunteers. You are the heart of Meals on Wheels Erie, and your dedication makes a world of difference to the homebound seniors and veterans we serve every day.

 

Whether you're delivering meals, offering a friendly smile, or simply taking a few minutes to chat, your efforts go far beyond the food you bring to their doors. You bring connection, compassion, and a sense of community to those who might otherwise feel alone. For many, your visit is the highlight of their day.

 

In 2024 alone, our volunteers logged thousands of hours, reaching countless individuals in need. This work ensures that our neighbors not only have a warm meal but also the comfort of knowing someone cares about them. The impact you make is immeasurable.

 

Take a look at an email I received recently from Rebecca, whose Mother is a meal recipient:

"I live out of state, and my 91 your old mom has been getting meals on wheels now for several months.

I just wanted to reach out and thank the volunteers who have never missed a delivery to her no matter what horrible weather Erie has thrown at them!!

Today, they made it through knee high drifts to be sure mom had a nutritious meal delivered by a friendly face.

I am so grateful to the dedicated workers who have been willing to overcome very challenging circumstances to make sure this vulnerable population is served.

I am retiring soon, and am inspired to consider becoming a MOW volunteer in my own area.

Thank you again!

Rebecca"

 

As we look forward to 2025, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each of you. Your generosity and kindness inspire us all, and they are the foundation of everything we do. If you've ever wondered whether your contributions matter, let me assure you—they absolutely do.

 

Thank you for being such an integral part of our mission. Together, we’ll continue to make a difference, one meal and one smile at a time. Here’s to another year of compassion and connection!

 

Warmest Wishes,

Jennifer

The Meals on Wheels Erie office will be closed on Monday, 01/20, for the MLK Day holiday. Meals for Monday will be delivered on the Friday prior, 01/17, along with the weekend meals.   

There will be NO GROCERY SHOPPING ORDERS taken on Monday, 01/20. Grocery orders will resume on Tuesday, 01/21 and deliveries will be as usual. 

The Subaru Share the Love Event ended on January 2nd. Pictured above are some of the highlights from our Charity Keg Kick-Off Event at the Six Pack House of Beer on December 11th and the nonperishable food drive to help stuff our annual Blizzard Bags. 

Thank you to all who attended or donated food - we received a generous donation from Erie Beer and the Six Pack House of Beer, awarded a holiday lottery tree, and had a fun time relaxing with friends and family. 

 

During the 2024 Subaru Share the Love Event, Subaru retailers will donate $300 to a charity of your choice when you purchase or lease a new Subaru.

 

Blizzard Bags are on their way!!

Every year, Meals on Wheels Erie distributes an insulated bag to our meal clients, filled with nonperishable food and other goodies. These items are to ensure that they have food in the house should the weather prohibit us from delivering. The insulated bags are helpful for times when they cannot be home for delivery, especially during Summer - with a frozen ice pack, we can leave the meals safely. 

Thank you, VFW Post 470, for sponsoring the bags and part of the contents this year, the Sunshine Group of Erie for the homemade coasters and bookmarks, and to all who donated nonperishables to help us stuff the bags!

 

Friday drivers, you will have 4 days of meals to deliver on January 17th. Monday drivers, enjoy a day off! 

WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR CHEERFUL VOLUNTEERS!

 

You might be amazed at how much good you can do with just 2 hours a week…whether you’re interested in driving a meal delivery route or grocery shopping for individual clients, we’d love to have you!

 

For more information about volunteering, please call us at 814-452-6930 or email: kathleen@mealsonwheelserie.org

At Meals on Wheels Erie, we enable people to age at home with dignity by providing a compassionate check-in, nutritious meals, and grocery delivery. If you know someone who could benefit from our services or would like to learn more about what we do, we encourage you to share this newsletter with them. Your support helps us reach those who need us most.

We are grateful for your support.

Your gift helps us continue our work in the following ways:

Nutritious Home Delivered Meal Program - for seniors, veterans, and the disabled

Grocery Shopping and Delivery Program

Blizzard Bags – shelf stable food delivered once, every winter, to every client

Monday - Thursday
8am - 4pm

 

Friday

8am - Noon

(814) 452-6930

 

4408 Peach Street
Suite 102

Erie, PA 16509