Nov 12 2024 17:00
Food For Thought November 2024
 

Discover Our Everyday Magic:

 

Our Director's Reflections:

Hello, Friends,

Here comes the holiday onslaught! While we find ourselves busy with family and festive invitations, for seniors who are mostly homebound, loneliness can sneak up pretty quickly. Imagine spending day after day without much interaction – no friendly faces, no laughter, and no one to chat with over a cup of tea. It can be tough, and over time, it actually starts to impact health in a big way.

 

Loneliness isn't just an uncomfortable feeling; it can lead to real physical and mental health problems. Seniors who feel isolated are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and even cognitive decline (like memory issues). Not to mention, loneliness has been linked to increased risks for heart problems and weakened immune systems. It’s kind of like their whole system starts to feel the strain of not having enough human connection.

 

And then there’s Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is like an extra layer of challenge. SAD is a type of depression that’s triggered by the shorter days and colder months – basically, when winter rolls around and there’s less sunlight. For seniors, especially those who can’t get out as much, SAD can hit hard. They might feel more down, low-energy, or even lose interest in the few things they still enjoy.

 

Now, here’s where a daily visit from our volunteers can really brighten things up. Imagine a friendly face showing up each day to say “hi” and spend some quality time. It could be a volunteer, a caregiver, or even a neighbor dropping by. That daily visit becomes a little routine that the senior can look forward to – something to break up the day, lift their spirits, and give them a sense of connection.

 

These visits don’t just help with loneliness; they’re also an easy way to check in on how the senior is doing. A quick chat can reveal if they’re feeling down, if they’re eating well, or if there are any changes in their health that need attention. Plus, during the winter months, having someone drop by regularly can help spot signs of SAD or other seasonal struggles early on.

 

In short, a daily visit from one of our volunteers  is like a little dose of sunshine – a reminder that someone cares, and a chance to share stories, laughter, or even just some quiet company. For seniors, that little bit of connection can make all the difference in their health and happiness.

 

Wishing you and yours a cozy Thanksgiving  - 

Cheers!
Jennifer

 

GREAT NEWS!

 

One of our Grocery Shopping partners, Giant Eagle, has generously offered to cover the shopping service fees for the remainder of November & December! That means each of our grocery delivery clients will save $8.00 per delivery until the end of the year. Thank you, Giant Eagle, for making the holidays a little brighter! 

 

The Meals on Wheels Erie office will be closed on Thursday, 11/28, & Friday, 11/29, for the Thanksgiving holiday. 

Meals for these days - and the weekend meals - will be delivered on Wednesday, 11/27. Normal meal delivery will resume on Monday, 12/2. 

 

Grocery shopping orders will be taken on Monday, 11/25, ONLY, for shopping on

Friday, 11/29, as volunteers are available. 

Visiting Volunteers!

Our volunteer drivers enjoyed a little assistance this month from Gannon University's Physicians Assistants students [Lindy, Sophia, Ally, & Ken]. They delivered a route as a class project - and we appreciate the help! 

*****

Volunteer, Dennis T, enjoyed some delivery assistance from his granddaughter too!

 

BIG FOOD DAY IS
Wednesday, November 27th!

Grocery Orders - October 15th Only!

The Meals on Wheels Erie offices will be closed on Thursday & Friday, November 28th & 29th for the Thanksgiving holiday. These meals will be delivered on Wednesday, November 27th, along with the weekend meals - up to 5 meals for some recipients. 

 

Wednesday Drivers, you may consider bringing a helper - Thank you for your time and compassion!

 

WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR CHEERFUL VOLUNTEERS!

 

You might be amazed at how much good you can do with just 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

 

Share the News:

At Meals on Wheels Erie, we enable people to age at home with dignity by providing a compassionate check-in, nutritious meals, and grocery delivery. If you know someone who could benefit from our services or would like to learn more about what we do, we encourage you to share this newsletter with them. Your support helps us reach those who need us most.

 

We are 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 client

CONTACT US:

 

Monday - Thursday
8am - 4pm

 

Friday

8am - Noon

(814) 452-6930

 

4408 Peach Street
Suite 102

Erie, PA 16509

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