Two Meals on Wheels Heroes…
Meals on Wheels, New Mexico, is grateful for folks like Jerry and Ron, two men who give their time and treasure to help feed their neighbors in need. They are just two examples of the many people who, like you, make our mission possible!
You help provide life-saving wellness checks!
Our first profile is of Ronald, who has been delivering for Meals on Wheels New Mexico for the past several years. A retiree, Ronald said he enjoys delivering and finds the experience personally meaningful—it gives him perspective. Ronald shared that before volunteering, he didn’t realize just how important Meals on Wheels is, or how many people really need the help.
Recently, Ronald made a big difference to one of his clients, an older man named Jerry. When Jerry opened his door, Ronald immediately smelled gas coming from the home. When asked if he had done something new in the house, Jerry said yes, he had lit his wall furnace recently. Fearing an explosion, Ronald asked Jerry to come outside while they called the gas company. Luckily, a service truck arrived within 14 minutes. Ronald stayed with Jerry until he was sure the issue was being fixed, then went on to his final delivery of the day.
The following week, when Ronald stopped by, Jerry came to the door with a big smile on his face. While he hadn’t smelled the gas himself, Jerry confirmed there was a leak, and he was so glad Ronald had come and brought help.
The incident has brought the two men closer, and now Jerry often shares a smile when Ronald visits. For Ronald, it’s all part of the job. He wants you to know that “deliveries are so important for clients to stay connected.” We couldn’t agree more!
Jerry is one of 2,092 clients you helped last year. And, thanks to you, volunteers like Ronald delivered a whopping 217,087 meals—a 45% increase over meals delivered in 2022. With a projected 240,500 meals delivered this year, your continued support will mean more folks like Jerry can rely on Meals on Wheels to be there in times of need. Thank you!
Victor shares why he supports Meals on Wheels
Every holiday season, the Meals on Wheels New Mexico staff wait for a familiar bark at the office door. In comes dedicated donor Victor with his sweet dog Gabby. He has holiday goodies and a donation in tow. A compassionate and caring man, Victor knows that every dollar counts to provide free meals to “the people in our community who are hurting.” Victor, like many of you, has been a long-time donor. He found Meals on Wheels through a 5k event in 2008, and has been giving ever since. When asked why he supports Meals on Wheels, he shares that “you need volunteers, staff, and contributions to do this work. Without that, it is like a table missing a leg!” Victor finds joy in thanking volunteers and staff in person while providing meals to those in need through his donations. Your generosity, much like Victor’s, plays an important role in changing the lives of those around you and bringing hope to your community. Thank you for making a difference for your neighbors in need.