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MAKING AN IMPACT!
Meals on Wheels: Making An Impact With More Than Just Food
By Lori Gerhart, VP Advancement
When Bill’s wife passed away, his once lively home was filled with silence. For more than 60 years, Bill and his wife had shared their living room, filled with memories and conversations. But now, the quiet was overwhelming. It wasn’t long, however, before Bill’s solitude was pleasantly interrupted. Mike, a volunteer with Meals on Wheels, arrived at his doorstep with a warm meal. But Mike didn’t just bring food. He brought something even more valuable—companionship.

As Mike delivered meals week after week, the two discovered a shared passion for classic cars and racing. Bill, eager to share his glory days at the racetrack, found a willing listener in Mike. Their conversations became the highlight of Bill’s days, and what started as a simple meal delivery soon blossomed into a meaningful friendship. For Bill, it was a lifeline during one of the most difficult times of his life. Meals on Wheels is more than just a meal—it’s a critical support system for seniors who are struggling with isolation and hunger. In a rapidly aging America, the need for services like Meals on Wheels is greater than ever. By 2035, there will be more seniors than children in the United States, with the population of those 85 and older expected
to triple in size. Yet, despite this growing need, funding for programs that serve seniors is insufficient, and these services are at risk of being cut.
Meals on Wheels provides a vital, cost-effective solution to hunger and loneliness among seniors. Each meal delivered is not just a plate of food, but a door opened to human connection. A volunteer like Mike is often the only person a senior may see or talk to all day, and the impact of that brief interaction can be life-changing.
However, rising costs for food and transportation are making it more difficult for Meals on Wheels to keep up with the growing demand. We need your help to ensure that no senior feels hungry or alone.

Please consider a donation to Berks Encore today. Together, we can ensure homebound seniors receive the food, care, and companionship they need
to live with dignity. Let’s make sure Bill’s story is not an exception,