Oh, what a difference a year makes.
Just over a year ago, on February 27, 2020, SOS held a Mardi Gras themed party for Staff to celebrate all of the good work the organization did in 2019. We played games, listened to lively music, enjoyed shrimp po' boys, cake and camaraderie... We also stood very close to one another (see above) and wore masks that did not cover our noses or our mouths!

Little did we know then how much the world was about to change and that it would be a very long time before we would have another gathering like this.
Yes, a lot has changed in the 53 weeks since that little shin dig, and there are likely many more changes on the horizon--some we can see coming and probably a quite a few that we have yet to imagine. What hasn't changed is our commitment to the work, to providing nourishment and human connection to our older neighbors who need us. Sure it has been a doozy of a year. We have had to pivot many times, to find agility and creativity in the face of rapidly shifting circumstances and unfortunate surprises (looking at you, failed freezer unit). We have had to dig deep for untapped reserves of energy and resilience. But ultimately, our dedication to the care of homebound seniors, fortified by the incredible support of the SOS community, has kept the doors open and the meals rolling.

And we will keep it going. One healthy meal and one friendly visit at a time, we will keeping showing up for the seniors who count on us no matter what.

Thank you for showing up too.
Speaking of showing up, once again we have invited a number of local elected officials to participate in a morning of meal deliveries (following strict health and safety protocols of course) as part of March for Meals, a nationwide month-long event designed to generate public awareness about senior hunger and isolation, and to celebrate the invaluable services provided by senior nutrition programs. Given that Meals on Wheels is an exemplary public-private partnership, this annual celebration is also intended to showcase the successes of the Older Americans Act, help recruit new volunteers from our community and increase fundraising from local businesses and supporters.

Though it will look a little different this year, we are expecting a solid turnout from our Community Champions and are delighted that this tradition did not fall victim to the pandemic--it is still going strong!

You: But I'm not an elected official. What can I do?

So glad you asked.
  • Be an Advocate – Like and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
  • Volunteer – Prevent hunger and loneliness by delivering meals once a week
  • Donate – Help us reach our goal to serve a half-million meals by June 30th!
We are not out of the woods yet folks, but one day we will be, and we will gather again. Unobstructed smiles will abound. High fives will feel extra victorious. And hugs will make a glorious comeback.

Until then, please stay safe, stay vigilant, stay healthy.
Charlie Deterline, Executive Director