BRADENTON, FL, December 18, 2007 – The Senior Enrichment Center at Renaissance on 9th is offering to seniors a free musical concert every Monday and Wednesday from 1-3pm. Enjoy jazz on Monday with Jim Brenner & Friends and on Wednesdays with Island Swing and the Sea Notes. These bands are donating their time and talent to bring their music to Renaissance on 9th as part of its volunteer music program. Renaissance on 9th, 1816 9th Street West, Bradenton, 34205. For more information call 941-749-0100.

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FIRE FIGHTERS COLLECT FOOD TO “EXTINGUISH HUNGER” IN MANATEE COUNTY

BRADENTON, FL, October 30, 2007  –  Manatee County fire fighters are collecting non-perishable goods to be distributed to needy families through The Food Bank of Manatee.  From Monday, November 5^th through Friday, November 16^th, the public is invited to drop off canned food and dry goods to the collection bins at any Manatee County fire station.

“I’ve heard about the difficulties of the Food Bank of Manatee in recent months,” said Chief Randy Stulce, of the Cedar Hammock Fire Station, “and I wanted to help.  We assist people through our jobs every day, so the other chiefs and I decided to take the extra step to help even more people in need.”  Stulce is also the President of the Manatee Fire Chief Association, whose members are all supporting this holiday food drive at their respective stations. 

 Joe Mercado, director of The Food Bank of Manatee, is thrilled about the fire chiefs’ involvement.  “It couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Mercado, “The demand is just so high right now, and we need all the help we can get to make sure no one goes hungry – especially at the holidays.”  Specific items needed include canned vegetables, canned meats, instant mashed potatoes, stuffing, cereal, rice, and infant items like baby food, formula, and diapers.  The Food Bank can also accept monetary donations, to purchase fresh foods, such as a turkey or ham for a needy family’s holiday dinner.  Any monetary donation can be mailed or dropped off at 811 23^rd Avenue East, Bradenton FL, 34208. 

Food collected will be distributed to over 60 local food pantries and soup kitchens, to help those who need a helping hand.  Not everyone who gets assistance is unemployed, but sometimes a high insurance, utility, or tax bill can mean making a choice between whether to pay the bill or pay for food.  The Food Bank of Manatee and the Manatee Fire Chief Association encourage everyone to participate in this food drive and help a family in need have a happy Thanksgiving this year.  Call the Cedar Hammock station at 751-7090 with questions on fire station drop-off locations, or call The Food Bank at 747-4655 ext 236 with food donation questions.

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MANATEE ORGANIZATIONS HELP FILL THE EMPTY BOWLS OF OUR COMMUNITY

Bradenton, FL, October 16, 2007 -  The Food Bank of Manatee, area restaurants, local organizations, and talented potters are coming together for the “7^th Annual Empty Bowls Luncheon” to raise awareness about hunger in Manatee County.  Two locations for the luncheon have been chosen to accommodate our growing community.  The East County luncheon will be held Wednesday, October 24 on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch, and the Downtown luncheon will be Thursday, October 25 at Renaissance on 9th, 1816 9^th Street West in Bradenton.  The hours for both events are 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.  Event sponsors are the Art Center Manatee and Manatee Herald-Tribune.  Coast Bank is participating with a donation of water, and Publix Supermarkets is donating bread.  The Highwater Clay Company has donated the clay for potters at the ArtCenter Manatee to create the bowls. Tickets will be sold at the door for $15.00, and all proceeds will benefit the Food Bank of Manatee.

Attendees at this luncheon will receive a symbolic meal of soup and bread, served in a handmade bowl of their choice.  The bowl is washed and taken home as a reminder that there are many empty bowls in the community, but a donation from the luncheon event helped to fill someone else’s bowl.  Each purchased bowl will provide 10 meals to feed the hungry in Manatee County through the Food Bank.  The famous Meals on Wheels PLUS “Grandma’s Goodies” cookies will be available for dessert, or as a treat to take back to the home or office.  Musical entertainment will be provided by Chuck Caudill at Renaissance on 9th and John Derick on Main Street.

The ArtCenter Manatee and local potters are once again working tirelessly to create 600 unique bowls for the event. These bowls will be filled with delicious soup donated by local restaurants including Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Atlanta Bread Company - Manatee Avenue and University Park, The Beachhouse, Bonefish Grill - University Park, Cookies Café, Corner Café, Ezra a Café, Fred’s on Main Street, Harry’s Continental Kitchens, K2 Cuisine, MacAllisters,  Mangrove Grill, MarVista Dockside Restaurant, Mattison’s Riverside, Morton’s on Main Street, 9^th Street Bistro, Novo – University Parkway, Panera Bread and Wild Monkey Gourmet.

This fundraising event is a national one that provides monetary support for food banks and soup kitchens around the world.  According to America’s Second Harvest–The Nation’s Food Bank Network, 26 million       

Americans, of which 9 million were children and 3 million were seniors, went hungry last year.  Empty Bowls luncheon raised about $6,000 to fight against this crisis in 2006. 

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FOOD BANK OF MANATEE RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION

BRADENTON, FL. July 9, 2007 -  For the 2^nd year in a row, The Food Bank of Manatee was recognized for its participation in the “Feinstein $1 Million Challenge.”  The Feinstein foundation distributes the $1 million to hunger-fighting agencies throughout the country, based on how much each agency raises in a given period of time.  Donations and food drives benefiting The Food Bank of Manatee in the designated months of March & April totaled $126,201, which resulted in a donation check of almost $750.00.  The Food Bank of Manatee was one of 1700 agencies nationwide who participated in the challenge, raising $148 million to fight hunger.

“The community response to our appeal for food drives and donations was incredible,” says Joe Mercado, Director of Community & Support Services for Meals on Wheels PLUS, which operates the Food Bank of Manatee.  “People tend to donate just around the holidays, but food is needed all throughout the year, and the Feinstein Challenge helps publicize the need while bringing essential funds to hunger-fighting agencies like ours.  We still need more food to adequately stock our shelves, however, and we would be happy to provide the food collection bins for anyone interested in starting a food drive.”

Organizations that helped out with food drives benefiting The Food Bank of Manatee’s participation in the Feinstein Challenge included Juniper Village, Lakewood Business Park, The UPS Store, The Windsor at Lakewood Ranch, Wagner Realty, Water’s Edge of Bradenton, and Wakeland Elementary.  The Food Bank of Manatee collects and distributes over 1 million pounds of food a year, and is currently in need of more food to provide for Manatee’s hungry.  Schools, businesses, and service organizations are encouraged to hold food drives.  Aside from a physical drive, an online “virtual food drive” is also an option. For more information, see the Food Bank link at www.mealsonwheelsplus.org.

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BRADENTON ROTARY CLUB DONATES $5000 TO SENIOR ENRICHMENT CENTER 

LETTER CARRIERS & RESIDENTS HELP “STAMP OUT” HUNGER IN MANATEE COUNTY

BRADENTON, FL. May 14, 2007  –  Manatee County mail carriers collected over 79,000 pounds of food on Saturday, May 12^th during the 15^th Annual National Letter Carriers “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive, which locally benefits the Food Bank of Manatee, operated by Meals on Wheels PLUS.

Teen and adult volunteers partnered with the Food Bank of Manatee, area post offices, and the local mail carriers to collect the almost 40 tons of food from mail boxes across Manatee County.  Volunteers gathered at post offices in Bradenton, Palmetto, Ellenton, Parrish, and Bradenton Beach, to assist letter carriers in unloading donations from mail vehicles.  The food was then hauled to the Food Bank to be sorted and distributed to local service agencies as needed throughout the year.

“We are so proud and grateful to the residents of Manatee County for participating in this national food drive”, said Ellen Campbell, President/CEO of Meals on Wheels PLUS.  “Because of their generosity we are able to re-stock our shelves and help fulfill our mission to provide nutritional assistance and caring supportive services to the needy in our area. On behalf of Meals on Wheels PLUS and the Food Bank of Manatee, I especially want to thank all the mail carriers, volunteers, and staff who made Saturday such a success. Their tireless enthusiasm was amazing, and we also couldn’t have done it without the trucks and drivers provided by Turner Tree and Landscape.  We feel very fortunate to have such a supportive community.”

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MEALS ON WHEELS PLUS SERVES MORE THAN JUST FOOD

In honor of Older Americans Month, Manatee County seniors are celebrated throughout May.

BRADENTON, FL. May 7, 2007 -  Meals on Wheels PLUS is celebrating seniors in a number of different ways throughout the month of May, which has been dedicated as Older Americans Month.  Each client of the meal delivery program will receive a surprise greeting card with their hot meal on a random day this month.  Programs operated by Meals on Wheels PLUS will also be hosting their own events, ranging from “Senior Olympics” at the Adult Day Center, to various parties at the Friendship Dining centers.

“We celebrate our seniors every day,” said Ellen Campbell, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels PLUS, “but Older Americans Month gives us a chance to bring awareness to the seniors in our community.  With so many worthy causes out there, the need for attention to senior issues can get lost.  This month gives us a chance to not only show our senior clients that we care, but also to show the community that we need their support to continue to provide for the older Americans in our community.”

Events in May include the following:

To ensure that Meals on Wheels PLUS and its care facilities can continue to provide for the seniors in Manatee County, the public is encouraged to donate their time or give a monetary gift.  Please call 747-4655 for details on our events or see www.mealsonwheelsplus.org.

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP LETTER CARRIERS ‘STAMP OUT HUNGER’

BRADENTON, FL. April 27, 2007 -  The Food Bank of Manatee needs volunteers on Saturday, May 12th to assist with the National Association of Letter Carriers “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive.  In all 50 states throughout the country, letter carriers will collect non-perishable food donations as they deliver their mail routes.  This annual drive is a major source of food for the Food Bank of Manatee, which is the only one in all of Manatee County.

 “As the largest one-day food drive in the country, we depend on the food it generates for our community,” says Joe Mercado, Director of Community & Support Services.  “But the letter carriers can’t do it alone.  We need everyone who can spare a few hours of their day to come out and help with this worthwhile cause.”

 Volunteers are needed to assist letter carriers with the transfer of the non-perishable goods from area post offices to the Food Bank, and to sort food at the Food Bank.  Help is needed between 9am and 5pm, with volunteer shifts approximately 4 hours each.  Schools, businesses, and service organizations are encouraged to make this food drive a group project.  Please call Anne Farrer at 941-747-4655 for specific location information and available volunteer time slots.

About The Food Bank of Manatee, operated by Meals on Wheels PLUS – The Food Bank of Manatee provides a much-needed service in our community, distributing food to non-profit agencies like food pantries, soup kitchens, and churches.  Families in emergency situations can also receive food packages on a temporary basis, or infant care baskets if they are without the resources right away to care for a new baby.  The Food Bank of Manatee is operated by Meals on Wheels PLUS, which provides nutritional assistance and caring supportive services to individuals in their homes or in centers throughout Manatee County, helping them to continue to live independently. For information on how to donate or volunteer to the Food Bank of Manatee or Meals on Wheels PLUS, go to www.mealsonwheelsplus.org or call 941-747-4655.

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CITY MAYORS “MARCH FOR MEALS” TO BENEFIT MEALS ON WHEELS OF MANATEE

BRADENTON, FL. March 7, 2007  – Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee announced today that four local mayors will participate in the second annual “Mayors for Meals Day,” to be held on March 21, 2007 as part of the nationwide “March for Meals” campaign.  Mayor Wayne Poston of Bradenton, Mayor Larry Bustle of Palmetto, Deputy Mayor John Quam of Anna Maria and Mayor Richard Bohnenberger of Holmes Beach will be delivering meals to the homebound to show support for their community’s seniors.

 “We’re excited that the Mayors want to participate and help us raise awareness of senior hunger in our community” said Ellen Campbell, President/CEO of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. “The participation of the mayors and the media will bring attention to the fact that there are thousands of senior citizens in this country who are going hungry each and every day, and that there is something tangible that can be done to overcome it. Our mayors will join mayors across the United States to take the challenge and help us take a national stand against senior hunger on March 21, 2007,” said Campbell.

 Businesses and professional groups as well as individuals are welcomed as volunteers to delivery hot, nutritious meals to homebound seniors in Manatee County. The time requirement for delivering meals is approximately one to two hours a day, delivered between 11am and 1pm Monday through Friday.  

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HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF ALAN SHAWN FEINSTEIN?

BRADENTON, FL. February 21, 2007-  For the 10th consecutive year Alan Shaw Feinstein from Rhode Island will divide $1 million among hunger-fighting agencies nationwide helping them to raise funds during March and April 2007. 

The Food Bank of Manatee, operated by Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, is encouraging area businesses and organizations to take the Feinstein Challenge and conduct their canned food drives during this period.  All donations received from March 1st to April 30th, including cash, checks, and food items (that can be valued at $1.00 per item or pound) may be counted and added to the challenge total.

 Feinstein’s previous $1 million challenges to fight hunger have raised a record $620 million for agencies nationwide, and in 2006, Meals on Wheels and The Food Bank of Manatee collected $75,871, earning them a grant from Mr. Feinstein for $540.

 An easy way to help with this challenge is by donating at The Food Bank’s “Virtual Food Drive.” Every family with internet access can visit www.mealsonwheelsplus.org and contribute to the Food Bank by participating in an online grocery shopping experience. By clicking on different food and grocery items, visitors will fill a virtual shopping cart with food and grocery products for the Food Bank.

To make a contribution to Meal on Wheels PLUS and to increase your donation value through the Feinstein Challenge, simply write a check to Meals on Wheels PLUS, Feinstein Challenge and send to 811 23rd Avenue East, Bradenton, Fl. 34208. The check must be dated between March 1 and April 30, 2007 to be eligible.

If you have any questions regarding the challenge, please contact Meals on Wheels PLUS at 747-4655.

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BRADENTON, FL. November 28, 2006 -  The Adult Day Center, operated by Meals on Wheels PLUS, started offering a new, motivational and fun program to 30 clients this month. It’s an armchair aerobics class, which runs twice a week, and helps participants improve their mobility and flexibility.  Instructor, Bill Bishop was hired when the Manatee County School District received an “Adults with Disability Grant”. This program is monitored by Manatee Technical Institute. The Adult Day Center is one of several non-profit organizations to receive this grant, along with Manasota Arc and Easter Seals. The grant’s purpose is to increase the quality of life for disabled adults and to enrich the lives of Manatee County seniors through physical fitness, music therapy, and the arts.

The Adult Day Center assists participants to remain in the community, enabling caregivers to continue caring for an impaired family member at home. It is a structured, therapeutic program that provides a variety of health, social, and related support services during the workday.  Specialized care is also available for participants with mid to late stages of Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementias.

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EMPTY BOWLS

BRADENTON, FL. November 20, 2006 -  Two totally different crowds attended the Empty Bowls luncheons last week. Despite the potential for rain last Thursday, a large business crowd attended the luncheon at Coast Bank Financial Center, downtown Bradenton. Guests showed their support to “help change the face of hunger” in Manatee County by purchasing beautiful bowls donated by the ArtCenter Manatee, local potters, Ballard and Prine Elementary. These bowls were then filled with warm delicious soup donated by local restaurants and taken home as reminders of all the empty bowls in our county that they have helped to fill. All proceeds benefited The Food Bank of Manatee, operated by Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee.

Saturday’s crowd at University Park included a lot of families who not only enjoyed their soup on a gorgeous sunny day but youngsters who attended, learned that many families in Manatee County are hungry and that by buying a bowl they were helping the needy.

Over 700 bowls were laid out on tables for guests to browse though and buy.

Soups were donated by Anna Maria Oyster Bar, Atlanta Bread Company - Manatee Avenue and University Park, Bamboo, Bonefish Grill - University Park, Cookies Café, Corner Café, Crab Trap II Restaurant, D’Artino’s, Ezra Fine Foods, Island Time Grill, Lee Roy Selmon’s – Cortez Road, MarVista Dockside Restaurant, MacAllisters, Midtown Catering and Wild Monkey Gourmet. Water was donated by Regions Bank and Coast Bank, Bread was donated by Publix Supermarkets and Atlanta Bread Company. 

Sponsors for this event were Whole Foods, Brighthouse Networks, Manatee Herald-Tribune, Coast Bank and the Art Center Manatee.

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TASTE OF MANATEE

BRADENTON, FL. November 4 & 5, 2006  - A perfect full moon set the stage for the 20^th Annual Taste of Manatee kick-off Party on Barcarrota Boulevard and the Riverfront. Music by Shaman filled the air and local restaurants served the thousands of guests who leisurely enjoyed the evening. Sunday brought sunny skies, music on 2 stages, local entertainment, vendors, kids games and plenty of tasty treats to please the 15,000 guests who attended this years event.

Mayor Wayne Poston honored this event by handing out awards to Rick Coffey the President of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association who received special recognition for 20 years service in organizing and spearheading the Taste of Manatee. Tony Gallo also received recognition for his 15 years of service. The Atlanta Bread Company on Manatee Avenue won the Best of the Best Award along with winning the categories for Best Appetizer, Entrée and Dessert. Meals on Wheels PLUS won the Best Booth category and The Beach House won the waitress/waiter race.

Proceeds from the two day event benefit Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, Inc.  Meals on Wheels PLUS prepares and serves nutritious meals to homebound seniors;  operates Friendship Dining Centers throughout the county; manages The Food Bank of Manatee; runs the Adult Day Center and provides support services to caregivers. 

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BRADENTON, FL. September 29, 2006  - Do you know a senior who is confined to their home, with little or no contact with the outside world? Are you that person?

Help is just a phone call away thanks to a FREE service sponsored by Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee that provides a daily phone call from one of our caring volunteers to someone living alone. A simple three-minute phone call can alert loved ones of a possible problem at home and provide the much needed social contact every person needs.

The service is called Telephone Reassurance, and it makes a world of difference to someone who many not otherwise have a link to the outside world.

If you would like to sign yourself or a loved one up for Telephone Reassurance, or if you would like to volunteer to make calls, please call Carol at 941-747-4655 today.   ###

WOMEN ON THE SCENE

Proceeds benefit the "Reading with Grandma" program at the Meals on Wheels PLUS Senior Center

BRADENTON, FL. October 14, 2006 - The first annual Women on the Scene event to benefit the “Reading with Grandma Program” for the new Senior Enrichment Center operated by Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee was a huge success!  The all-day event, organized by women, for women, and about women was held on Saturday, October 14 at USF Manatee/Sarasota campus. 

This fun-filled day for women held breakout sessions with 22 speakers on topics ranging from “Fertilizing your Marriage” with therapist Dr. Robyn to “It’s your Style, Building the Perfect Wardrobe” with Bobbie Ayers of Paper Chic Dolls. Internationally renowned Keynote speaker, Barbara Glanz, started the day off with a big boost and Mistress of Ceremonies, Lynn McDonald, local author, motivational speaker and philanthropist kept everyone laughing throughout the day.  The event raised over $22,000.

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BRADENTON, FL. May 26, 2006 - Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee has received a $4,000 grant from the Manatee Community Foundation to purchase a large, commercial grade icemaker for the Food Bank of Manatee. The icemaker will provide the ice necessary to keep frozen foods frozen during transportation from suppliers to the Food Bank of Manatee which is operated by Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee.  Ice will be used by Meals on Wheels PLUS vans and trucks to ensure that food delivered to The Food Bank of Manatee is kept at safe temperatures.

The Food Bank of Manatee distributed nearly one million pounds of food in 2005,   Each week volunteers and staff compile between 30-60 emergency food baskets for families in need.  Baby baskets that contain baby formula, food and diapers are also available.  In addition to emergency baskets, food can be picked up by one of the 70 agencies and churches that use The Food Bank of Manatee to fill their pantries.

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NEW PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD AT MEALS ON WHEELS PLUS

BRADENTON, FL. May 16, 2006 – Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee is pleased to announce that Darrell Turner, CEO and owner of Turner Tree and Landscape, has been elected the new President by its board of directors. 

“Darrell has been an active volunteer with Meals on Wheels PLUS for over 7 years.  In that time, he has always followed through on what he starts, and inspires others to do great work.  I can't think of anyone better suited to lead us through our next steps of growth,” stated Ellen Campbell, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee.

During his Presidency, Darrell Turner will continue to be a significant influence in the concept of creating a Senior Enrichment Center in Manatee for Meals on Wheels PLUS.  Once complete, the complex will be host to conference rooms, an art center, community meeting rooms, an auditorium/ballroom, and a Bistro as well as host office space for community and social service agencies.  The Senior Enrichment Center will be located on 9^th Avenue West; 1 block south of McKechnie Field and is planned to open in early 2007.  “The New Senior Enrichment Center will become the premier gathering place and activity center for seniors “on the go” in Manatee County,” said Campbell. 

Mr. Turner is one of the major contributors and volunteer leaders of the Senior Enrichment Center Capital Campaign.  “The well-being of Manatee’s seniors is in large part the responsibility of our collective concern – I just want to play my role in helping Manatee’s seniors! “My family and I take pride in being a part of the Meals on Wheels PLUS,” explained Turner.  The Turner’s recently hosted the annual “Tropical Nights”, a fund raiser for Meals on Wheels, at their home on April 22. 

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BRADENTON, FL. April 27, 2006  – Publix Supermarkets presented Meals on Wheels PLUS with a $10,664.98 donation as a result of a in-store promotion held during the holidays.

All of the Publix Supermarket locations in Manatee County collected the funds through the Food Industry Crusade against Hunger Campaign, which raises money by asking shoppers to donate $1, $3 or $5 at the check-out, to help the hungry served by Meals on Wheels PLUS.

 “This donation is so needed and appreciated. With the costs of fuel at an all time high, we have been faced with higher food costs and fewer volunteers able to deliver meals,” said Ellen Campbell, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels PLUS, “but the needs of our clients still exist.”

Meals on Wheels PLUS serves more than 1,000 Manatee County residents daily through their meal delivery, Food Bank, Adult Day Center, Friendship Dining Centers, Caregiver and Support Groups.                                                                   ###

MEALS ON WHEELS PLUS HOSTS ANNUAL VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION LUNCHEON

BRADENTON, FL. February 7, 2006   – Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee along with their sponsored program RSVP hosted a “Volunteer Recognition Luncheon” at the Bradenton Municipal Auditorium. The Suncoast Mummers String Band provided the entertainment.

Awards were handed to the top RSVP volunteers. The Top honors for 2005 were:

Myra Barbre, Janel Fullriede, John Pettinger, Mary Thornborough, Preston Thornbrough, Sugar G. Kean, Lavern Hahnke, Louise Wilson, Doris A. Taylor,  Dan Smithwick and Mary Riccobono.

These selfless men and women all donated over 1000 hours each to local volunteer programs.

A special recognition was given to Natalie Schiff the Project Director for RSVP who announced her retirement after 12 years of service. Meals on Wheels Plus volunteers are of all ages. They deliver meals to the homebound and assist in the food bank, Friendship Dining and Adult Day Centers.  RSVP, The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (a part of Meals on Wheels Plus) invites adults age 55 and over to use their life experience and skills to answer the call of their neighbors in need, giving anywhere from four to forty hours per week.

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