Meals on Wheels of Lehigh County Receives $1,250 for Participation in Meals on Wheels America’s 2016 March for Meals
Funding for the 14th Annual Awareness Campaign Made Possible by Subaru’s Share the Love Event
Allentown PA, June 14, 2016 – Meals on Wheels of Lehigh County is proud to announce that it has received a $1,250 grant award from Meals on Wheels America for its participation in the 14th Annual March for Meals campaign. This past March was Meals on Wheels of Lehigh County’s 14th year participating in the national Meals on Wheels awareness campaign designed to celebrate the proven collaboration of local community organizations, businesses, all levels of government and compassionate individuals to ensure that our seniors are not forgotten.
Pam Bechtel, Executive Director said: “We are thrilled to receive this grant that will be used to subsidize meals for our clients. This year we have to raise over $600,000 to meet the need for our program. We count on the financial support of our community and grants like this to ensure that our homebound seniors receive the nutritious meals they need to remain healthy and living in their own home.”
Throughout the month of March, Meals on Wheels reached out to the community through social and local media citing the impact that the Meals on Wheels program has on ensuring that Lehigh County seniors live happy, independent lives in their own homes. On March 24th, 30 government, business and community leaders joined regular Meals on Wheels volunteers to deliver meals, learning firsthand how important the program is.
Nearly $400,000 has been granted to 265 local Meals on Wheels programs and one Meals on Wheels America-affiliated State Association based on their March for Meals efforts. This year’s grants were made possible through the generosity of Subaru of America, Inc. and its eighth annual Share the Love Event. During the event held from November 19, 2015 through January 2, 2016, $250 was donated to a customer’s choice of a national or hometown charity for every new Subaru vehicle purchased or leased. Meals on Wheels America has been a participating national charity since the event’s inception in 2008.
“The March for Meals grant program is our way of recognizing Meals on Wheels America Members for their efforts to raise awareness and much-needed support for the critical service they provide their communities,” said Meals on Wheels America President and CEO Ellie Hollander. “Together, we can change the way this country cares for its seniors.”
The annual March for Meals campaign is an effort led by Meals on Wheels America to present opportunities for volunteers, businesses and governments to support seniors in a variety of ways that make communities stronger, safer and healthier. For more information, visit marchformeals.com.
About Meals on Wheels of Lehigh County
Each weekday, Meals on Wheels of Lehigh County, a nonprofit agency, serves 450 homebound seniors and adults with disabilities living throughout Lehigh County. 912 individual and group volunteers deliver about 168,000 meals each year; almost seven million since 1971. Volunteers also provide a social connection and a well-being check. The Agency also offers grocery shopping services to more than 100 clients. For more information, visit www.mealsonwheelslc.org.
About Meals on Wheels America
Meals on Wheels America is the oldest and largest national organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger. This network exists in virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million staff and volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. By providing funding, leadership, education, research and advocacy support, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time. For more information, or to find a Meals on Wheels provider near you, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org.
Information Provided By:
Michele Grasso, MPA
Development Director
Meals on Wheels of Lehigh County
4234 Dorney Park Rd.
Allentown, PA 18104
