Area Foundations Show Their Support

Recently Meals On Wheels of Stark and Wayne Counties received three sizeable grants that, when combined, cover the cost of a new commercial dishwasher for the agency.

We were pleased to receive grants of $20,000 from the Austin-Bailey Health & Wellness Foundation of Canton, $15,000 from the Dominion Foundation of Cleveland, and $10,000 from The Timken Foundation of Canton. The $45,000 total will cover the cost of the dishwasher, which will be ordered this summer and operational by fall.

Our commissary staff prepares as many as 2,000 meals each weekday. Those meals are driven by truck to our 20 locations. From there, volunteers deliver meals to our clients via 64 different routes, while other meals are served to seniors who participate in our congregate dining programs at 14 of the locations.

Our current dishwasher is 12 years old, two years older than its 10-year recommended life span. So it was time to purchase a new one. With the current status of the economy, we did not have the funds for such an expenditure. That is why we are grateful for the support of the Austin-Bailey, Dominion and Timken foundations. Their assistance will literally enable us to remain open and operational, and to continue our vital work in the community.