Check In and Chat: A Summer Lifeline for Seniors
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Dear Friends,
As summer heats up, so do the risks—especially for our older neighbors. Seniors are more vulnerable during heatwaves, and extreme temperatures can quickly become dangerous. Many live alone, and some may not even realize how overheated or dehydrated they’ve become until it's too late.
That’s why a simple check-in can mean the world.
If you have an elderly neighbor, friend, or family member, take a moment to stop by or give them a call. Make sure they’re staying cool, drinking enough water, and have what they need. And while you’re there—stick around for a chat. Social connection doesn’t just brighten someone’s day—it can truly improve their health and outlook.
At Meals on Wheels Erie, our volunteers do this every day—not just delivering nutritious meals, but offering a warm hello and a moment of connection. And with our newly launched Friendship Line, we’re going even further to make sure our recipients know they’re cared for and never alone.
Kindness, compassion, and conversation. They’re powerful tools—and they cost nothing.
Let’s look out for one another this summer.
Warm Regards,
Jennifer
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Erie Times Old Newsies Association Sponsors Our Holiday Meal and 3 Veterans in Need!
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Pictured L-R: Jennifer Hoffman, Executive Director; Dan Kalie, President, Times Old Newsies
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Dan Kalie, President, and Judy Gerlach, Treasurer, of the Times Old Newsies presented two gifts - both from funds raised on Old Newsies Day, December 13, 2024. Together, these contributions total $9,900 and will directly support the Meals on Wheels Erie Holiday Meal delivery in December 2025 and our organization’s Veterans in Need Meal Program.
Launched in July 2020, the Veterans in Need Meal Program currently provides no-cost meal delivery to nearly 40 local veterans. Participants receive a freshly prepared, chilled meal every day of the week, delivered by a compassionate Meals on Wheels Erie volunteer. Veterans may spend an average of 6 months on a waiting list for services while funding is secured. Partial funding for this program comes from the PA Veterans Trust Fund, but the majority is raised locally.
“This generous gift allows us to do two important things: first, to deliver holiday cheer at a time when our senior and homebound neighbors can feel most vulnerable and lonely. This is the second year that the Newsies has sponsored our annual holiday meal and we are grateful for their support. In all, we will deliver over 200 prime rib meals between Christmas and New Year’s with part of this gift. Second, the bulk of this donation will allow us to expand the Veterans in Need meal delivery service,” said Jennifer Hoffman, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels Erie. “Thanks to the Times Old Newsies, we can now move three additional veterans from our waiting list into active service and build a more sustainable program. Delivering nutritious meals and a friendly visit is our way of saying not only thank you to our local heroes- but ensuring those who are homebound and otherwise without support receive the nutrition and connection we all need. We are deeply grateful that organizations like the Times Old Newsies are helping to #EndtheWait for seniors in need.”
The mission of the Times Old Newsies includes feeding the needy in all of Erie County, PA. Their annual fundraising event started in 1939. For 85 years, Newsies have collected donations and handed out papers on a December day to support local charities looking to eradicate hunger and loneliness.
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Giant Eagle Supporting Meals on Wheels Volunteers!
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Pictured L-R: Jennifer Hoffman, Executive Director; Jannah Drexler, PR, Giant Eagle
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Yorktown Giant Eagle recently sold a PA Lottery Cash 5 ticket to Gary Winner and earned a commission of $10,000! They generously donated $1000 to Meals on Wheels Erie to support our Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. Giant Eagle has been a community partner with Meals on Wheels Erie for many years supporting our Grocery Shopping program. Congratulations to the Winners [perfect name!] and thank you to Giant Eagle!
News coverage link: GOERIE
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Mark your calendars - we'll be making the rounds at these Senior Health Fairs all summer.
These events are free and open to the public. More dates to come!
August 16: Veterans' Stand Down
August 21: Erie Zoo Senior Day
August 25: Representative Bizzarro's Senior Health Fair
September 18: Representatives Merski & Harkins Senior Health Fair
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Thank You to Our Major Sponsors:
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Volunteers - Check in with Kathleen for your extra discount and registration info!
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VOLUNTEERS, MARK YOUR CALENDARS - IT'S TIME TO PARTY!
RSVP BY JULY 18TH!
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Don't forget to RSVP by July 18th - watch your email for the invite
or you can use this link right now:
VOLUNTEER PICNIC RSVP
We'll see you at the beach!
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WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR CHEERFUL VOLUNTEERS!
You might be amazed at how much good you can do with just 1-2 hours a week…whether you’re interested in driving a meal delivery route or grocery shopping for individual clients, we’d love to have you!
For more information about volunteering, please call us at 814-452-6930 or email: kathleen@mealsonwheelserie.org
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We are always grateful for your support.
Your gift helps us continue our work in the following ways:
Nutritious Home Delivered Meal Program - for seniors, veterans, and the disabled
Grocery Shopping and Delivery Program
Blizzard Bags – shelf stable food delivered once, every winter, to every participant in an insulated bag
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Monday - Thursday
8am - 4pm
Friday
8am - Noon
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(814) 452-6930
4408 Peach Street
Suite 102
Erie, PA 16509
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