SPOKANE, Wash. – SPOKANE, Wash. – As the holiday season approaches, Meals on Wheels Greater Spokane County is ensuring seniors and the disabled have something special under the tree.
Joy Painter, an 18-year veteran of Meals on Wheels, is one of the dedicated volunteers making a difference. Each year, Painter embarks on a new project for the holiday season.
“This year I made 735 Christmas stockings,” said Painter. “I try to make our Meals on Wheels clients feel special and important on the holidays.”
Painter says she began hand-sewing the stockings in January. Now, all that is left to do is stuff them.
“We’re going to fill them with a lot of goodies and entertainment things for our clients just so they feel a little love,” said Painter.
Throughout December, Meals on Wheels will be delivering these stockings–and not via the chimney. They will hand out the gifts alongside their regular meal deliveries.
“Having a nutritious meal, especially around the holiday times, is such an important thing. It can be so much more than just a meal,” said Ben Lopez, a volunteer at Meals on Wheels.
The organization is addressing social isolation, which tends to increase among seniors during this time of year.
“57% of our homebound clients say our volunteer is the only person they see on a given day,” said Lopez.
Gloria Higginson, another volunteer, emphasized the importance of their visits.
“We’re there with friendship, companionship. And we’re there because we care about them and want them to have a better and more comfortable life,” said Higginson.
Meals on Wheels says they are hoping to make the holidays a time of year that all can look forward to.
“Time to make them feel special, put a little smile on their face, bring them a little happiness,” said Painter.
Meals on Wheels Greater Spokane County is seeking donations to ensure every stocking is filled. Donations of toiletries, basic hygiene products, fun games like cards or crosswords and sweet treats are appreciated. Contributions can be dropped off at the Spokane Valley office or donated online.
