URGENT NEED IN THE CCL AREA — Meals on Wheels Needs Help

Meals on Wheels Ministry is issuing an appeal to the residents of the Cedar Creek Lake area to help fill a shortfall caused by an unexpected budget item. For years, the city of Gun Barrel City has graciously allowed Meals on Wheels to operate out of the former Fire Station, but when the city decided to rebuild the space, the organization was forced to find a new site location.

“We are fortunate to have been blessed with a free location for so many years, and the city has promised us a space in the future building,” said Mike Powell, Meals on Wheels President and CEO. “But until then, we have picked up over $6,000.00 in bills that we weren’t expecting. We want to appeal to the community of Gun Barrel City to dig deep and donate a little extra to help offset the impact of this unexpected cost.”

Meals on Wheels serves clients in communities throughout the Cedar Creek Lake area, including Gun Barrel City, Eustace, Tool and Trinidad. In 2013, over 80,000 meals were delivered to homebound seniors and disabled individuals in Henderson County alone. Most clients live in rural areas and have few regular visitors. Without Meals on Wheels, these clients would likely require nursing home care.

One anonymous donor has already answered the call and donated $2,000.00 toward the total goal. “Any amount will help us continue to direct funding towards feeding people in this community, because we believe that when a senior needs a meal, he needs it now, not tomorrow, not next week,” said Mr. Powell. In addition to this unexpected cost, Meals on Wheels Ministry has been told to expect state funding to be cut by $90,000.00 this year. “Our goal is to operate without a waiting list, and we rely on individuals to make that possible.”

Donations are 100% tax deductible and can be made online at www.mowmet.org, by calling Zoe Lawhorn at (903) 525-4837, or by check mailed to Meals on Wheels Ministry, P.O. Box 5475, Tyler, Texas 75712. Meals on Wheels Ministry currently serves over 3,000 seniors and homebound individuals in 30 communities across six counties including Gregg, Henderson, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood counties. Meals on Wheels Ministry is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing good nutritious meals, daily contacts, and other support services that enable senior citizens and disabled persons to remain independent and living in their own homes as long as possible. More information on client services, volunteer opportunities and much more may be found online at www.momet.org.