Tools

New Emergency Vehicle for Grand River Meals on Wheels

by KREX News Room
by John Dias

Story Created: Oct 18, 2012 at 7:37 PM MDT

Story Updated: Oct 19, 2012 at 8:27 PM MDT

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. - The Grand River Meals on Wheels recently went into high gear after receiving a significant grant. The group was awarded the Small Program, Big Impact grant from the Meals on Wheels Association; it was worth $20,000.

They put their funds toward their first emergency vehicle, which will help them reach more people in need.

“I've been doing Meals on Wheels for about eight years, and I just enjoy helping people,” said Mac Burnett, a volunteer who believes this new ride will help the group out greatly.

Even though volunteers had to use their own vehicles before their new set of wheels arrived, the Rifle-based organization just reached its 500th client.

“We didn't start counting until 2005, so I am sure it's much more than that,” said Kaaren Peck, volunteer manager for Grand River Meals on Wheels.

More than 100 volunteers make up the program; they deliver anywhere between 50 and 100 meals a day to senior, disabled and recovering residents.

The volunteers say these donations are vital for most clients.

“These people wouldn't have lunches or supper every day,” said Mary Kranor, a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. “They would probably go hungry.”

From Parachute to New Castle, and everywhere in between, clients are thankful the Meals on Wheels program will be able to make it to them, rain or shine.

“We do it five days a week, like the postman,” said Burnett.

The Grand River Meals on Wheels program currently sends out three routes a day, but because of an increase in demand, the program will be adding a fourth route in November.

You have indicated this comment should be removed.

Close

The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .

Diana Shupack said on Monday, Oct 22 at 7:51 AM

The new vehicle sounds like a needed addition and your program seems very valuable for many folks in your area! Congratulations.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KREX - News, Weather, Sports for Grand Junction | Montrose | Glenwood Springs - Coverage You Can Count On and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Most Popular
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
News Channel 5 Weather