Breckenridge Woman’s Forum learns about Meals on Wheels program during March meeting
The Breckenridge Woman’s Forum learned all about the local Meals on Wheels program at their monthly meeting in March.
The organization meets each month at the Woman’s Forum building, 1804 W. Walker St., for lunch, a program, card games and fellowship.
On March 26, the program was presented by Peggy Holder, the coordinator for the Breckenridge Meals on Wheels organization. She gave an informative overview of the service organization.
Peggy Holder, coordinator for the Breckenridge Meals on Wheels program, speaks to the Breckenridge Woman’s Forum at their March meeting. (Courtesy Photo)
Meals on Wheels provides meals to people who are shut in, unable to cook for themselves, or have a special need. Recipients are referred by doctors, healthcare providers and social services. Orders are faxed and kept on file, and dietary requirements, such as non-diabetic desserts, are considered for each person.
Holder took over the reins of Meals on Wheels in 1999 after Maude Allison’s death. Holder said that for such a tiny woman, Allison left huge shoes to fill. Prior to managing the organization, Holder and her husband, Larry Holder, delivered for Meals on Wheels and have been a part of the ministry for over 45 years.
Meals on Wheels began in Breckenridge in 1979 with volunteers delivering meals once a week. In 1982, the increased need for meals prompted them to provide meals twice a week. They are still delivering meals twice a week and deliver to approximately 82 people a day. In a separate program, Stephens Memorial Hospital delivers meals the other three weekdays each week.
The meals, which are prepared by the hospital, cost $4 per meal and are funded by donations. In 2023, 8,016 meals were provided by Meals on Wheels with a cost of $32,464.
They always deliver on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Holder said it made her sad to see so many people alone on those days, so she makes sure they get a visit.
Meals on Wheels is completely handled by volunteers and currently needs drivers to help deliver the meals. Even one or two days a month would be helpful, Holder said. There are four different routes with about 20 people per route. Drivers use their own vehicles to transport meals.
Holder said it’s really a blessing to serve the people and that the delivery drivers get attached to the people on their route. Sometimes, they get to visit for a while, maybe change a light bulb, open a childproof medicine bottle, feed their animals or help the seniors find something.
Because the Meals on Wheels recipients are usually vulnerable, there have been times when the volunteers have found people in distress and have had to call an ambulance or have had to call the police if they couldn’t get someone to the door. Holder said it’s very rewarding to serve the sweet people on the route and they are all so appreciative.
Funding for Breckenridge’s Meals on Wheels program comes from the community. The United Fund gave $1,800 in 2023, and most of the rest comes from memorial donations. Occasionally, someone will give a donation in honor of someone’s birthday or anniversary, Holder said. In addition to receiving money, the volunteers also occasionally receive small gifts to give the recipients with their meals, such as cookies, candy, socks, blankets, etc., from various organizations, including Girl Scouts, churches, the Elks Lodge, Farm Bureau, Woman’s Forum, and more. To help Meals on Wheels in any way, contact Peggy Holder directly.
The Woman’s Forum meeting was hosted by members Maretta Wulfjen, Maurice Turner, Lorene Caulkins and Fran Sims, and the meal was catered by Canyon Road Barn and Grill. During the meeting the organization continued their community service fundraiser donations to Meals On Wheels.
Information and photos provided by Mary Quinn Griffin with the Breckenridge Woman’s Forum.
Cutline, top photo: Hostesses for the March meeting of the Breckenridge Woman’s Forum were Maretta Wulfjen, Maurice Turner, Lorene Caulkins and Fran Sims. (Courtesy Photo)
