Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Meals on Wheels serves 45 clients, profides food and genuine concern

For those who are homebound, unable to drive and more than 60 years old, there is a way to get a hot meal and some company five days a week  Meals on Wheels.

Royce Ann Barbaree, Central Arkansas Development Council director for Gurdon, said the number of Meals on Wheels clients has grown to 45.

"I will have been here five years this November and the Meals on Wheels program has always been in place at Gurdon," she said. "I would say it has been going for at least 10 years."

Barbaree said the food is prepared by Barbara Weems, the head cook at the center, and staff members.

"Many of those we bring the meals to don't have families, and they don't have the money to pay someone to come in and cook," Barbaree said. "Any money they give is simply a donation."

The philosophy behind the program is for the clients to see a friendly face, have contact with the outside world, and have social interaction.

"The socialization is about as important as the meal," Barbaree said. "If a spouse is caring for a homebound person, the spouse is eligible for one of the meals as well. Once a month, we send out word-find or a crossword puzzle to stimulate their interests. It gives them something different to do."

Barbaree noted as a person journeys down life's road, the appetite is not necessarily as big as it used to be.

"The older person might fix a cracker with cheese... Our meals are hot and nutritious. For example, today we made hot rolls to go with them. We definitely fill a need in the community," she said.

The delivery of the meals takes place five days a week, and lunches go out between 10-10:30 a.m. from the center. The volunteers have an hour to deliver, so the meal is still hot.

Barbaree said the volunteers donate time every week "and their dedication goes a long way toward keeping this program running."

Volunteers include: Doug Quillin, Rusty and Debbie Jones, Clarence Haltom, J.K. Davies and Jim Russell.

Barbaree called the volunteers "angels in vans." She said Quillin delivers five days per week The others volunteer for once a week, or for an extra day if something comes up.

Quillin, president of the Senior Citizens Board, said he has been a volunteer for five or six years in regard to Meals on Wheels and delivers 18-21 meals per day.

He said, "My favorite part is getting to meet the ones who need the help. Some meet you at the door with a great big smile. Some are not able to get out of the house, so you go in."

Quillin said he got started helping with Meals on Wheels because of his wife's aunt needing it and the center needing volunteers.

"Me and Charlene Wells and Joyce Quillin started helping," he said. "Joyce also helps out in other capacities."

According to the director, the volunteers get persistent if there is no answer at the door. They act as a safety net in case an emergency health need arises overnight. If presented with a door that doesn't open, and there is no response, the volunteers tell the director and an emergency number is dialed to be sure someone is "not on the floor with a broken hip."

"We care what happens to those we serve and try to be there for them," she said. "We also send out two emergency meals in brown paper bags, just in case something happens and they need them. Those are microwavable."

Barbaree said the Center has a Volunteer Recognition Day in the Spring for all of the center's volunteers, including those involved with Meals on Wheels. She said they have guests from offices in Malvern and Benton.

"We have helium balloons at their table and try to fix it up nice, but it could never be as nice as they deserve," Barbaree said. "I was born and raised in Gurdon and I know these people. I can not say enough wonderful things about our volunteers."

Funds to support Meals on Wheels come from a variety of sources. Barbaree said some is from Clark County United Way, program income from donations for meals served, the Cabe Foundation, USDA, the Council on Aging and more.

"I would like to thank all of our funding sources and once again thank our volunteers," Barbaree said. "Without the volunteers, we are nothing. This is small town America, but there are the forgotten people who are without a way to make their voice heard. We enjoy continuing to fill a need in our community, and to be one way to answer their voices."