LITTLE VALLEY - The Cattaraugus County Department of the Aging's Meals on Wheels program has been awarded a $1,000 grant from Subaru of America Inc. and the Meals on Wheels Association of America as part of Subaru's Share the Love campaign.
The grant will enable the Department of the Aging's Meals on Wheels program to serve a holiday meal in December to home delivered meal clients.
Cattaraugus County delivers a meal to more than 450 people over the age of 60 Monday through Friday. The meals are delivered by a dedicated group of volunteers, many of whom are over 60 themselves.
"This is the season of giving and we are so thankful that Subaru has decided to give back to our program in order to help us deliver meals to our clients for the holidays," said Cherianne Wold, Cattaraugus County Department of the Aging director. "This grant is truly a gift."
The Department of the Aging's Senior Wellness and Nutrition program reached a milestone in 2009, having served meals to homebound senior citizens in Cattaraugus County for 35 years.
"In recognition of this anniversary," Ms. Wold said, "a Christmas meal will be delivered to recipients on Christmas Eve with their normal meal that day. This will be the first time in 35 years the Meals on Wheels program has been able to provide a meal on a holiday."
The "Share the Love" campaign" will run until Jan. 4.
"Many of our Meals on Wheels programs across the country are struggling to provide meals in this down economy," said Enid Borden, president and chief executive officer of Meals on Wheels Association of America. "We can't thank Subaru enough for understanding that their support will help provide the next meal so 'no senior goes hungry.'"