by Amanda Cater

 

I had the pleasure of speaking to a wonderful woman, Cora Stroud, who informed me that Meals on Wheels opened their first bank account back in 1978 and has been up and running ever since then. Cora has, for the most part, been with Meals on Wheels since its inception. They serve a maximum of 30 lunch meals for 5 days a week, they do not serve meals on the weekend and all the meals are prepared at the Heartland Continuing Care kitchen.

 

Their mission: Is to unite like organizations and churches of this area to deliver a warm prepared lunch to the elderly and disabled in need of a nutritious meal or who have been released from the hospital in need of a short-term meal.

 

Twelve board members serve this non-profit organization and everything they do is fueled by donations and volunteers.  The 2021 boards consists of ; Bette Kimbell, Brad Roberts, Charles Brooks, Cora Stroud, Cynthia Hewlett, Dianna Smith, Glenn McCoy, Larry Teal, Loretta Carley, Melveta Walker, Quaylene Parkey and Richard Allington.  The board fills in on any routes that are not covered and you can see Glenn McCoy everyday at the meal pick up site.  Glen is tireless in making sure all the meals are picked up and delivered and stands ready to answer any questions that the volunteers may have.

They have an honorary list of community volunteers that assist in the daily routes:

University Baptist Church

Rotary Club

Kiwanis

Alustra

Calvary Baptist

ENMU Women’s Association

First Baptist Church

First United Methodist Church

JP Stone Bank

ENMU Caduceus Health

Emmanuel Baptist Church

South Side Church of Christ

Shooting Stars 4-H

3rd & Kilgore Church of Christ

Portales Women’s Club

 

All of these fine organizations fill the month-to-month routes but there is always a great demand for volunteers. Volunteers are always needed! Volunteering looks good on applications, scholarship applications and allows you to serve your community. There are at least 5 routes per day to provide these nutritious meals to the community.

 

 

Donations are also greatly appreciated and keep this non-profit organization fueled and operating successfully. You can make your donations to the United Way via Meals on Wheels.  You or your organization can sponsor a senior for a week – month or year.

Meals on Wheels of Portales, delivering meals with a smile so that NO SENIOR GOES HUNGRY!