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In the central kitchen of the Meals and Wheels distribution center, 350 packages of warm and hearty Thanksgiving dishes were packed and landed in the hands of the Austin seniors on Thursday morning.
Between turkey breast and gravy, cornbread filling, green beans and peppers and carrot cake, each product has been garnished with the love and support of community volunteers like Mike Prochoroff.
Prochoroff, who has worked at Meals on Wheels Central Texas for nearly 30 years, said the organization’s mission is one the world should embrace – create conversation and smile every Thanksgiving.
“That’s what we’re supposed to do. That’s how the world should work,” said 72-year-old Prochoroff. “We keep people in their homes and feed them, and that’s a lot to be thankful for. It’s such a positive thing.”
Governor Greg Abbott, First Lady Cecilia Abbott and their daughter Audrey welcomed volunteers from the East Austin-based organization to thank them for their efforts.
Part of the Austin community since 1972, Meals on Wheels distributes 3,000 meals each weekday to senior citizens and others with disabilities who are staying at home. On Thanksgiving, the organization assigns volunteer drivers to bring hot meals to the homes of the needy.
Adam Hauser, President and CEO of Meals on Wheels, said hunger and isolation of the elderly are major challenges for the community, especially during the holidays.
“Having the highest levels of state with us on Thanksgiving is pretty exciting and sends a great message to hungry and home-bound seniors in our community that we will care for them and think of them on a day like today,” says Called Hauser.
As he was preparing for his delivery route, volunteer Vijay Patel said that it gives him an inescapable sense of joy to give residents even a tiny bit of happiness.
“It is fulfilling to see those in need with the hot meals we give them and their smiles just melt us away,” he said.
Like Patel, volunteer Heather Yarmy said it is important to have such a hand in the community, especially at moments when so many are without food and the presence of their loved ones.
“It’s easy to forget these people because we don’t see them,” said Yarmy, 43. “I just think it’s important to be connected to the community and to give back to the community. It’s give and take, and this is an opportunity for us to always give. “
How to help
To volunteer and fill open delivery routes, go to https://www.mealsonwheelscentraltexas.org/get-involved/volunteer.
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https://www.austin360.com/story/news/2021/11/25/gov-greg-abbott-joins-thanksgiving-meals-wheels-food-distribution/8758321002/
