The non-profit seeks to deliver more than food to its clients.
HALTOM CITY, Texas — When his wife died last year after 64 years of marriage, 85-year-old Robert Blakey was all alone, but he was not lonely, thanks to his daily sustenance.
“It’s the best thing going for me,” Blakey said.
Every day, volunteers with Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County provide food for thousands in need.
Often, however, what those people really hunger for is connection.
“A lot of them, they live alone and sometimes the volunteer is the only person that client will see in the day,” said Philip Gonzalez, lead Marketing and Communications Specialist for Meals on Wheels of Tarrant County.
Luanna Bailey has volunteered for eight years.
She says each delivery takes only a minute or two, but in those moments, amidst those whispers of compassion, something happens.
“They know I care about them and they care about me,” Bailey said.
Perhaps no one knows that better than Blakey.
At least once a week, Bailey caters to his needs and even brings treats for his dog.
For the retired shop teacher, since his wife died, these short visits have become a lifeline.
“It means everything to me,” Blakey said. “I don’t have any company besides my neighbors.”
Bailey says over the years the people on the other side of the door have become like family.
They’ve grown so close, in fact, that before she leaves, they often say, ‘I love you.’
“I do love those people,” she said. “They tell me their troubles. I know a lot more about them than some stranger walking up to the door.”
Reaching out and building connection. It’s how you feed your soul.