Meals-on-Wheels: “The Joy of Service”
Through the Eyes of a Volunteer - Ellis County

“Meals-on-Wheels is a passion for me. It really warms the heart to provide the basic needs for people. The Golden Years for many are not so golden, but being a volunteer gives us the opportunity to bring a little sparkle every day,” said Waxahachie volunteer Jeff Lincks.

Jeff, like many other volunteers, enjoy the interaction with the Meals-on-Wheels receipients each time they deliver to them. For them, giving back to the “children of yesterday” is what family and community are all about.

"I have great respect for all volunteers. It takes effort and time. When all is said and done, there is no greater gift than that of giving. I feel that we are stewards of our communities,” added Lincks.

Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties delivers noontime meals Monday through Friday. Meals-on-Wheels is a dual-county program covering over 1,700 square miles with 27 routes in Ellis County. The meals are delivered by caring volunteers with convenient “pick-up points” in each of the communities served.

“A route takes no more than an hour to deliver, and provides the daily contact for those we serve,” said Cynthia Cleaveland, Volunteer Coordinator. “We continue to need volunteers to help get meals delivered, as well as local monies to support our organization,” she added.

Lincks concluded, “Like Waxahachie Mayor Joe Jenkins says, ‘I love Waxahachie, and I know you do to.’ I think all of us could make that phrase fit in any community that we live or work. What better to give our children, than the lessons of respect, good will, and purpose. Stay involved—we all need you! Volunteerism’s greatest recipient may be you!”

During the month of March Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties along with other meal programs nationwide, participate in the March for Meals Campaign. This year’s slogan is “So No Senior Goes Hungry.” The Campaign has three primary goals: (1) raise awareness of senior hunger, (2) recruit new volunteers to help address the issue, and (3) raise needed funds to be used at the local level. Meals-on-Wheels is promoting the local program through media outlets and will be have a direct mail campaign mid-March.

“We encourage anyone who would like to help in ending senior hunger, to get involved anyway that you can; whether that be through volunteering, donating, or telling others about our services,” commented Amy Jackson, Director of Development.

Meals-on-Wheels is a community-based, non-profit organization serving the homebound elderly and disabled residents throughout Johnson and Ellis Counties. For more information, contact the Meals-on-Wheels offices, or email info@mowjec.org.