MCCRACKEN COUNTY, Ky. — As the frigid cold swoops in, a local senior center reminds people to check on their older friends and loved ones. The Paducah-McCracken County Senior Center’s Meals on Wheels happened as scheduled on Tuesday afternoon.
Organizers say the program is especially crucial during the winter months.
It’s a program available to homebound seniors 60 or older in McCracken and Marshall counties who don’t have a way to get a meal. For example, they don’t have any family in the area to help them to the grocery store or bring them food. Volunteers with the program deliver meals to them and provide a wellness check.
The meals were packed and ready to be delivered on Tuesday. BJ Jones, a volunteer with the program, drove around to drop food off to clients in McCracken County.
BJ Jones and Jessie Lawrence. They’ve built a friendship through the Meals on Wheels program. Lawrence said without it, she wouldn’t know how she’d survive.
Jessie Lawrence is a Meals on Wheels client. One of her favorite delivery drivers is BJ. Why? Because she doesn’t just deliver food.
“I open that door, and there’s that sweet smile and a wonderful cooked meal that provides a good meal for me and even a dessert,” Lawrence chuckled.
Lawrence wouldn’t know what to do without the service.
“I do not have a car. Do not drive. It is a great blessing to have a nutritious meal delivered, because how would I get to the store? I have no children living in this area, and I love living here,” she said.
Jones does this for the people who are often forgotten.
“It’s just the seniors; I can’t give up on them. They need me as much as I need them,” she said through her smile.
She said they not only deliver food, but also ensure their heat is working and have everything they need.
Robin Ross with the senior center said right now there is a Meals on Wheels waitlist, but volunteer opportunities are available.
“If you want to volunteer on a regular basis, we would have to do the background check, and we would have to do a drug screen. If you want to just randomly volunteer, we will allow that as well,” Ross said.
For BJ, it’s worth it — through the program, she’s gained family.
“It’s like I have so many bonus grandparents… It’s just like I have extra grandparents and extra moms and dads,” Jones said.
If you would like to get involved with the Meals on Wheels program at the Paducah McCracken County Senior Center, contact the Assistant Director Robin Ross or the Executive Director Sarah Walker.