Vehicle needed for Meals-on-Wheels program

By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
  PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Efforts are underway to obtain a vehicle for the Meals-on-Wheels program.
“We’re in need of a delivery van or similar vehicle for the Meals-on-Wheels program, so volunteers can bring meals and fresh produce to seniors throughout Aroostook County,” said Dottie Sines, program coordinator with the Aroostook Agency on Aging.    Fundraising kicked off with the sale of gift baskets for Valentine’s Day. More events are planned in coming months.
“The spaghetti dinner and Valentine’s sale went well. We’ll soon be doing bingo, with some great prizes. That will be held on Friday, March 14, at the Gathering Place, beginning at 6:30 p.m.,” said Sines.
Sines said people should watch for more events, which will be publicized as they are planned.
“The next thing will be an indoor yard sale. We’re accepting items for sale. Individuals can also donate directly toward the purchase of food for the program. Money is used wherever it’s needed, to better serve the elderly in the region,” she said.
She said Meals-on-Wheels serves people from one end of the county to the other.
“We have the capability to serve anyone anywhere in The County since we have frozen meals especially made for seniors. Those meals also meet many of the special requirements of many special diets like low salt, low cholesterol, etc.,” said Sines.
Dozens of individuals benefit from the important food program.
Sines said while some volunteers use their own vehicles to make deliveries, more seniors could be served if another vehicle was available.
“We’re looking more for a transport van, not a passenger vehicle. We not only deliver meals but pick up fresh produce and deliver it to our only food-producing kitchen in Madawaska, to be used in the meal preparation as well as give out to seniors in the dining center and to the homebound,” she said. “A van will allow us to utilize more volunteers. We have many volunteers, but not all are able to use their personal vehicles for such a purpose.”
Sines said ideally the agency will raise enough money to purchase a van, but if someone has a vehicle they’re no longer using they’d like to donate, it would be gladly accepted.
“Would we accept a donated vehicle? Absolutely! But since volunteers will be driving the van, it must be in good shape. We’ll accept a vehicle if it’s safe and in good condition,” said Sines.
For more information or to make a donation, call Sines at 764-6185 or mail: Aroostook Agency on Aging, PO Box 1288, Presque Isle, ME 04769, Attention: Nutrition Program.