Chuck Gehring, LifeCare Alliance president and CEO, lauded the efforts of local volunteers for keeping an essential program going throughout the pandemic — the Meals-on-Wheels service that offers homebound individuals with nutritious meals and a daily check-in point.
Tuesday, area residents were honored for their heartfelt dedication through an annual luncheon at Union Station, where Gehring noted the unusual status that volunteers helped the Columbus-based non-profit organization achieve.
“We’re able to serve our clients with absolutely no waiting list to begin meals,” he said of the service that provides meals in Logan, Champaign, Marion, Madison and Franklin counties. “In many cases, we can begin someone’s meals the very next day.
“That is highly unusual for a Meals-on-Wheels program serving a large metropolitan area. Usually there is a long waiting list to begin meal service.
“It’s only because you kept volunteering throughout the pandemic that we’re able to do this.”
The president and CEO said this service is particularly noteworthy considering the large increase in clients during the pandemic. In the last two years, LifeCare Alliance has experienced a 68 percent increase in home-delivered meals and a 54 percent increase in clients.
In fact in Logan County during 2021, 45,795 home-delivered meals were served to 225 clients, an increase of 170 percent compared to 2019.
Gehring said volunteers of all ages serve with Meals-on-Wheels. An Indian Lake High School senior was one of the individuals recognized at the awards program.
Macie Robinson was presented the LifeCare Alliance Youth Spirit Award for her volunteer efforts with the program, presented to her by Logan County Commissioner Joe Antram.
Several of her ILHS peers involved with Meals-on-Wheels attended as well to support her and to accept a five-year award recognition for the school’s involvement.
“I like going out and giving back in any way that I can,” Macie said about completing Meals-on-Wheels routes.
Her nominators noted that Macie is always enthusiastic about jumping in to cover a route whenever needed, and also has been instrumental in training new students for the program. She also enjoys getting to know her clients.
In honor of her dedication, Macie also was presented with a $1,000 college scholarship through LifeCare Alliance, offered to only one youth each year, made possible through an anonymous donor, Gehring said. Macie plans to attend Wittenberg University in the fall to study nursing.
Area resident Mark Baird received the Logan County Spirit Award for his work with Meals-on-Wheels, which he began following retirement.
“One lady on my route told me, ‘I don’t know what I’d do without your support,’” he said. “It’s a program that has given so much to me, even more than I’ve put into it.”
In addition, RTC Industries was awarded the Corporate Partner Spirit Award and received five-year recognition. The organization began delivering meals in December 2016, and now completes multiple routes each week.
Last year, RTC Industries volunteers logged 2,600 miles delivering meals, noted Ashley Spence from the United Way of Logan County, who presented the award to RTC representatives Lisa Manns, Ty Ferguson and Brent Fromm.
George Wackerman also received five-year recognition with the program. One-year service awards were presented to Baird, Donna Dahlke, Jim Macaluso and Macie.
Additional route volunteers also always needed, and volunteers can pitch in as many days as their schedule allows — whether that is once a week or even once a month, noted Stephanie Sparrow Hughes, community engagement manager. Most routes take about an hour to complete.
Meal pick up for route drivers is offered Monday through Friday in Logan County at two locations — Union Station, 613 Hamilton St., at 10 a.m.; and at Indian Lake Villas, 601 Lincoln Boulevard, Russells Point, at 10:55 a.m.
To sign up as a volunteer, contact (614) 444-MEAL, or e-mail [email protected].
If you know someone who needs a meal, contact (614) 278-3130. For more information, visit www.lifecarealliance.org.