The Perry Lutheran Homes’ Meals on Wheels program has nearly doubled in clients and meals served since the COVID-19 pandemic began some five months ago, with most of the elderly diners brought into the program through the efforts of volunteer delivery driver Bob King of Dallas Center.
”Dallas Center has many aging residents who live by themselves in their homes and apartments,” said King, an energetic activist in this community of about 1,600. “As they have been avoiding shopping in stores to avoid COVID-19, we felt they needed reliable access to food.”
King approached the Perry Lutheran Homes to see about satisfying the nutritional needs in Dallas Center with Meals on Wheels but before the service to Dallas Center could start, the program had to nearly double the number of trays and supplies in order to ensure the safety both of clients and volunteers through extra COVID-19 precautions.
“We talked through the logistics and it seemed like the right fit,” said the Perry Lutheran Homes COO and Administrator Melissa Gannon. “Being able to serve others in their time of need is just who we are, so Perry Lutheran Homes put in the order for additional trays and supplies, and Mr. King volunteered to make the deliveries to the clients in Dallas Center.”
Dietary staff at Perry Lutheran Homes Willis Campus now make and serve some 1,750 meals every week between the residents in their skilled or long-term-care facilities and the people in private homes receiving Meals on Wheels.
“Recipients like the daily check-ins,” King said of his Dallas Center friends and neighbors in the program, “even if we can only talk to them at their door step. If we don’t see or hear from them after knocking and placing their food at their door, we call to make sure they are well.”
Gannon said any home-bound elders living in Perry, Dallas Center or the northern Dallas County area can sign up for meal delivery from Perry Lutheran Homes Meals on Wheels program by calling 515-465-7500 from Monday through Friday.
“During these deliveries, many times other needs are discovered,” Gannon said. “It might be a missing door, a dangerous handrail or the lack of daily living supplies. We encourage the community to StepUp and look after our elders not only during this COVID-19 pandemic but far beyond. And if you are helping an elderly neighbor, make sure to wear a mask and practice excellent hygiene and social distancing.”
Perry Lutheran Homes is always open to new volunteers to help deliver meals and new donors willing to help support the care of our community’s elders with a donation. There are three easy ways to donate:
- Text the word “GIVE” to the number 515-320-8256.
- Donate online at the Perry Lutheran Homes website.
- Mail a check to the Perry Lutheran Homes, 2323 Willis Ave, Perry, IA 50220.
To learn more about Perry Lutheran Homes Meals on Wheels, visit the program’s website.
Mollie A. Clark is the director of marketing for the Perry Lutheran Homes.
