In her home, Ms. Dotsy is surrounded by so many things that bring her joy—family heirlooms like her mother’s harp, history books of all kinds, and photos of her family. Meals on Wheels is now delivering joy to her as well—something she experienced when she first learned of the organization many years ago while helping a friend deliver meals during a visit to Bethlehem, PA.
Ms. Dotsy, 90, has faced many health challenges—bypass surgery, a defibrillator, multiple falls and concussions, and vertigo—but she appreciates still being able to live on her own. This past summer, her daughter helped her get signed up to receive meals, and she couldn’t be more grateful for the way it impacts her life.
“I love hearing my doorbell ring, opening it and seeing a smiling face that wants to know how I’m doing. It’s like we’re all the same family,” she says. “Meals on Wheels is not just a delivery service. That’s what makes it so special. I could use Uber Eats to bring me a meal, but it wouldn’t be the same. I’m so glad that Meals on Wheels is not just for people in poverty.”
Sharing stories is one of Ms. Dotsy’s favorite things to do—especially about the accomplishments of her 3 children, 6 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. She also has plenty of experiences and accomplishments of her own. Some of her fondest memories and proudest moments are:
- Attending the inaugural ball for Richard Nixon
- Serving as the President General of the United Daughters of the Confederacy
- Traveling to Africa 5 times
- Witnessing the Hunley being lifted from the ocean floor
- Receiving several state honors—the Order of the Palmetto and two Silver Crescents
Her life continues to be so full. She’s lived in Mt. Pleasant for 14 years and is great friends with the five other single ladies living in her building. One of her favorite places to eat is See Wee Restaurant in Awendaw. She loves to write and even gifted her grandchildren a collection of her works titled, “Because I said so.” And she really does use Uber when she has somewhere to be!
Ms. Dotsy’s mother actually lived to be 104 years old, so she loves that the meals are just the right portions and feature the same foods that her GI doctor told her she needed to eat more of for a long, healthy life. With any luck, her grandson’s prediction will come true. He said, “Grandma, you’re going to live 15-20 years longer with all the good, healthy food they’re bringing you!”
East Cooper Meals on Wheels 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.