Nearly 10 million people in this country do not know where their next meal is coming from. Millions more experience the negative effects of living alone, including depression and isolation from social interaction with friends and family. Locally, East Cooper Meals on Wheels has found that the daily visit from a caring volunteer is just as important as delivering a healthy, delicious meal.
“Meals on Wheels saved my life,” shares 89-year-old Carolyn Allen. “I feel like I’m 50 again, but I’ll be turning 90 in June. It’s not just the food that has helped. Having people visit that I can share stories with is so special,” says Allen, a Meals on Wheels recipient since June of 2016.
According to her family, Allen has progressed from a state of isolation and depression to having a real joy for life again. They attribute this in large part to the love received daily from her volunteer delivery drivers, whom she now calls true friends.
The local nonprofit serves almost 300 recipients daily, who currently range in age from 35-98. Now through December 31, 2019, donations of $100 or more will be matched by several local partners, including:
Carroll Limited Partnership up to $1,000 of Isle of Palms donations
Feed The Need up to $10,000 of Mt. Pleasant donations
Daniel Island Community Fund up to $5,000 of Daniel Island donations
Edward and Sallie Pritchard up to $2,000 of Sullivan’s Island donations
During the holiday season, the organization works especially hard to ensure that no homebound neighbor is forgotten or hungry. East Cooper Meals on Wheels serves anyone who is homebound and cannot prepare a meal, including people of any age and any income level. Because the organization is 100% funded through community support, contributions ensure that the organization can continue its mission of delivering more than a meal to residents of Daniel Island, Mt. Pleasant, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, Cainhoy, and Wando. There is never a waiting list and never a charge for meals. Anyone can refer a friend, family member, neighbor, or themselves to begin receiving meals—call 843.881.9350, email rhamilton@ecmow.org, or visit www.ecmow.org.