Meals from the heart

Volunteers

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This time of year is supposed to be about friends, family and leftovers. However, not everyone is able to do that alone. Thankfully, there is hope for many of Creston’s so-called “shut-ins.” Not only does Meals on Wheels deliver food to these people, but Area XIV Agency on Aging is helping out, as well. This year, Area XIV Agency on Aging organized what they’ve dubbed “Gratitude in Action: A Gift of Love.” While most people where either on the road to visit family or helping themselves to a slice of turkey, 14 volunteer families and couples showed up to Crest Haven to help 32 senior citizens throughout Creston. “It’s one day they knew they’d get a hot meal and a visit,” professed Lily Ripperger, Area XIV Agency on Aging nutrition manager. That meal included everything one would expect from a great Thanksgiving spread, including roast turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy and green bean casserole, among other things. Kristie Davidson and her three sons Chantz, 12, Triston, 9, and Jase, 4, all volunteered with the agency’s program for the first time. The four of them delivered two meals to Regency Homes residents. “I just thought this was the time in their lives that they need to learn about this stuff,” said Davidson of involving her children in volunteering. Meaningful meals Creston Nursing and Rehab Center has hosted a Meals on Wheels program in Creston for the past 15 years. In that time, the center’s Dietary Service Manager Sandy Rooker said she’s learned the program is in great need in Creston. Ripperger agreed saying the joint efforts of Creston’s nursing homes her organization and Greater Regional Medical Center, provide meals to dozens of people regularly. Rooker and Ripperger were also quick to note their efforts amount to a lot more than just a tray of food for those unable to leave their homes on their own. “For some of these people, the only contact they have is us,” said Rooker. “We can be there to check up on them. I have had instances where someone was lying on the floor when I got there.” Combined effort Ripperger stressed the efforts of the entities offering meals to shut-ins work in cooperation for the greater good of those being served. Meals served through the nursing homes, hospital and Area XIV Agency on Aging are paid for in different ways including some by the volunteers delivering them. “With the economy the way it’s going these days, we’ve had people come to the meal site and say they can’t afford it,” explained Ripperger. “But we never turn anyone away.” Not only will the agency not turn anyone away, their Thanksgiving program served as a way to let those receiving meals know what they can do for them. Each meal came with information on Area XIV’s other senior citizen services including Southern Iowa Trolley, tour services, outreach program and respite center for Alzheimer’s patients. Ripperger said Area XIV Agency on Aging is considering doing what they did on Thanksgiving on Christmas Day, as well. She said they already have a list of volunteers ready to help. “We just need somebody to help organize it,” said Ripperger. —————— Andy Goodell can be reached at (641) 782-2141 ext. 242 or agoodell@crestonnews.com