Huge Donation of Royal Canin Dog Food Benefits Our Annual Pet Food Drive

Our annual pet food drive received an unprecedented boost in December when Royal Canin, a leading worldwide manufacturer of premium pet food products, donated 36 pallets of dog food to the campaign.

It is the second consecutive year that Royal Canin chose to support the agency’s efforts. The donation was again facilitated by the Banfield Charitable Trust, which promotes the annual "Season of Suppers" pet food drive conducted each holiday season by MOWSW and other meal delivery programs nationwide.

The donated food, along with other contributions from Stark and Wayne counties received this holiday season, will be distributed to ourclients in need of food for their pets.

Because of our past success with "Season of Suppers" -- more than 10 tons of food were collected and distributed in the two-county area over the past four years --Royal Canin decided to significantly increase its support this year.

The shipment arrived in December and totaled more than 26,000 pounds. CEO Teresa Barry and board member Bill DeRodes are pictured next to the shipment after it arrived in December.

Royal Canin, based in St. Charles, Mo., is a store brand carried by Petsmart, which houses Banfield, The Pet Hospital locations inside many of its stores.

We're grateful to the Banfield Foundation, and Royal Canin, for their remarkable support.

Happy Holidays from Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties

'Tis the season, when we reflect on blessings and extend our gratitude to others.

From all of us at Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties, we want to thank our friends who join with us to make it possible to provide for our homebound neighbors who depend on us for nutritious meals throughout the year.

We're grateful to our volunteers, and to our financial supporters, for giving of their time and treasure to make our work possible.

We appreciate our clients and are happy to provide peace of mind for them, and their families.

We wish every one a happy, healthy and prosperous holiday season and new year.

Doris Day Animal Foundation Lauds Agency's 'Terrific Work,' Provides Grant for Pet Food Drive

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties has received a $3,500 grant from the Doris Day Animal Foundation (DDAF) in support of the agency’s annual pet food collection drive.

The grant will underwrite the purchase of dog and cat food, which will in turn be delivered to our clients who own pets.

“When we learned about Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties’ annual pet food collection drive, we knew we had to help,” Miss Day said from her home in Carmel, Calif. “This is terrific work and fits well with DDAF’s focus on assisting seniors and their companion animals.”

“Miss Day’s compassion for the welfare of animals is legendary,” said Teresa Barry, CEO of Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties. “We are honored to partner with her and the foundation and grateful for their generosity toward our clients and their pets.”

The local collection effort has rapidly become one of the most successful pet food drives in the country. The effort netted more than three tons of food in 2009, and this year’s drive is on pace to far exceed that total.

Donations of pet food can be dropped off through Dec. 31 at participating retail locations in Stark and Wayne counties (click here for a list), or any time at our office building, located at 2363 Nave Street S.E. in Massillon (click here for a map).

Our thanks to Miss Day and the Foundation for their generous support!

Dine at Applebee's in Massillon on Dec. 16 and Support Meals On Wheels!

Here's a great way you can enjoy going out to eat and support Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties at the same time.

Applebee's restaurant in the Massillon Marketplace has teamed with us to hold a "Dining To Donate" event on Thursday, Dec. 16. From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., for anyone who brings in a copy of the Meals On Wheels fundraising flier (shown) when they dine at Applebee's, the restaurant will donate 15 percent of the guest's check to Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties.

The promotion is good for dining in, or for their "Carside to Go" service, as well.

What could be easier? It's right during the holiday shopping season, and the Massillon Marketplace features a variety of stores to make your gift selection a breeze.

Just click on the image of the flier shown for a larger version, print that, and bring it with you on the 16th. And please spread the word; tell your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and anyone you think would be willing to support Meals On Wheels.

Applebee's is located at 32 Massillon Marketplace Drive SW, near the intersection of routes 30 and 21, across from WalMart and Lowe's in Massillon. We hope you'll join us for the "Dining To Donate" event on Dec. 16.

Tree Decorating Ushers In the Holiday Season

Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties staff got into the holiday spirit Wednesday at the annual tree lighting and decorating party in the lobby of our office building.

Staff members helped hang ornaments and string beads on the tree, and enjoyed sausage, English muffins and eggs, plus coffee cake, all provided by our commissary.

It's an annual tradition that ushers in the holidays at Meals On Wheels. The tree helps brighten the entry to the building and is enjoyed by our volunteers and guests, as well as our commissary and office staff.

Our thanks to the recently opened Big Lots store in the Massillon Marketplace, which donated the 7-foot, pre-lit tree that will be enjoyed by our volunteers and staff for years to come.

It Starts With Fettucini Alfredo with Chicken, and Just Gets Better: Our December Menu

December is here, and so is our menu for the month. Just click on the image below to see a larger view.