Fifteen years ago, Jerome moved from North Charleston to the Old Village of Mount Pleasant because he liked how nice and quiet it was. He stayed busy painting houses for many years, but in March, he fell and could not get up. His injuries were severe, resulting in the need for spinal surgery. After Jerome left the hospital, his landlord suggested reaching out to Meals on Wheels for help. Because Jerome still has numbness in his hands and arms, struggles with balance, and requires a walker to move around, he can’t really cook for himself. Even though his sister and two brothers live close by in North Charleston, Jerome is grateful that Meals on Wheels is here for him and his entire community in times of need.
“Being a person living alone who can’t use his hands, Meals on Wheels was heaven sent to me. It’s something I can depend on and it gives me hope that someone cares. Whether you’re rich or poor, they are here to help.“
Age: 64
Favorite color: Blue
Favorite song: Oh Danny Boy; Jerome says, “It’s a spiritual song, and the words will carry you.”
Favorite meal: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and collards
Words to live by: Hebrews 10:25, “…not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
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.