From left: News Channel 8 Anchor Autria Godrey; Washington Nationals Mascot-President Abe Lincoln ; Susan Waldman, Meals on Wheels America; and MaryAnne Beatty, Senior Services of Alexandria.
Alexandria — Last month, an Alexandria Meals on Wheels senior client received his meals from a special volunteer — Washington Nationals mascot President Abe Lincoln. The visit came as part of Meals on Wheels America’s nationwide volunteer-recruitment campaign with the Ad Council called “America, Let’s Do Lunch,” which aims to inspire people of all ages to volunteer their lunch breaks to deliver with Meals on Wheels.
Currently, more than 10 million (1 in 6) seniors face the threat of hunger, and more than 15 million are living alone in isolation. With the senior population projected to double by 2050, Meals on Wheels needs a new generation of volunteers to keep up with the growing need.
“We’re so excited to partner with Abe, the Nationals and Senior Services of Alexandria to bring awareness to senior hunger and isolation in our region,” said Susan Waldman, Meals on Wheels America’s chief marketing and communications officer. “For many Meals on Wheels clients, the volunteer who will deliver their meal may very well be the only other person they will see or speak to that day. So, the partnership with the Nationals is invaluable to us.”
Delivering Meals on Wheels isn’t just about nutrition; it’s about the moments of human connection that nourish and inspire both the senior and the volunteer. It focuses on caring for individuals whose diminished mobility or resources make it hard to shop for food, prepare meals or stay connected to their community.
“Senior Services of Alexandria (SSA), in partnership with the City of Alexandria’s Division of Aging and Adult Services, delivers Meals on Wheels 365 days a year,” said Mary Lee Anderson, SSA’s executive director. ”The program has a great volunteer community, but the program is always looking for new volunteers at all ages.”
For more information about SSA and to volunteer with Meals on Wheels in the City of Alexandria, visit seniorservicesalex.org or call 703-836-4414. For more information about “America, Let’s Do Lunch” go to AmericaLetsDoLunch.org.