On June 25, ten IXL volunteers arrived at Meals on Wheels of Durham to pack and deliver meals to homebound residents in the community. This was IXL’s second year volunteering with Meals on Wheels, which is a national organization that addresses hunger and isolation among millions of seniors. Meals on Wheels is committed to providing both nutritious meals and face-to-face check-ins to as many homebound individuals as possible, and we were excited to once again help out!
IXLers had the opportunity to see the care that goes into the food preparation while they worked with other Meals on Wheels volunteers to pack both hot and cold meals. The day’s menu included meatballs, pasta, a hot vegetable medley, applesauce, bread, and milk. In addition, a week’s supply of pet food was packaged for recipients with furry friends.
Once the initial packing was complete, several IXL volunteers then helped deliver the meals as part of Meals on Wheels’ complex and highly efficient delivery system. The best part of the delivery experience was the recipients. Not only were they filled with gratitude, but many also took the time to impart their wisdom. One individual in her 90s said, “Love is what has kept me going all these years.” She added, “We need to have gratitude. If I am breathing, then I am thankful.” IXL volunteers all felt that they received infinitely more than they gave that morning.
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Software engineer Adam Singer was one of the volunteers who stayed at the packing center to take care of the weekend preparation while the meals were being delivered. “It feels so great to help out an organization that does so much good in our community,” he shared. “The team of dedicated volunteers, drivers, and staff have the process of preparing nutritious and appealing meals down to an art. We all worked together, and had a great time while we were at it!”
The Durham branch of Meals on Wheels has been serving the community of Durham since 1975, and today serves more than 500 Durham county residents each weekday. To learn more about Meals on Wheels of Durham, visit www.mowdurham.org.
By Lori Weiss, Curriculum Designer
