Valentine’s Day marked the second annual Share the Love fundraiser for Newton Meals on Wheels. Hosted by Newton Medical Center (NMC), staff and volunteers prepared over 680 boxed lunches, raising over $6,800; this will fund over 1,300 meals for the program.
“We are so humbled by and appreciative of the support shown by Newton Medical Center and the entire community,” says Tamie Larez, Newton Meals on Wheels executive director. “These funds will help us continue our mission to provide meals for homebound seniors.”
What started in 1972 as a response to a need — to provide the elderly population a balanced, nutritional daily meal — has grown into a large operation.
“Today, we serve over 185 clients in Newton and North Newton,” says Larez. “With over 100 volunteers and five different delivery routes, Newton Meal on Wheels is able to provide one-third of the daily recommended nutritional allowance for seniors in our community, seven days a week, 365 days a year. This would not be possible without our dedicated volunteers and the support of organizations like Newton Medical Center.”
NMC first partnered with Newton Meals on Wheels in 1974, and has since been preparing all meals for the organization. The Share the Love fundraiser was started as a way for NMC to contribute to the organization in an additional way.
“I’m pleased to see the success of this event continue to grow,” says Robert Kidd, NMC director of food and nutrition services. “Each year, this is something our staff looks forward to. We are already developing the menus for next year and have set a goal to serve over 700 boxed lunches.”
The third annual lunchbox fundraiser is scheduled for Thursday, February 14, 2019.
