Timken, Aultman Foundations Provide Funding for New Computers, Software

We are grateful to the trustees of the Timken Foundation of Canton and the Aultman Foundation, respectively, both of whom approved funding in the last quarter of 2011 for Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties to upgrade our information technology systems.

The Timken Foundation provided a $35,000 grant toward the purchase of a new server and new computers for the agency, while the Aultman Foundation provided $6,000 toward new software and data conversion that will improve the agency's record-keeping and data storage.

The ongoing support of local foundations and corporations makes it possible for us to continue our service of providing essential nutrition to homebound individuals in the two-county area. The Timken and Aultman grants will enable us to upgrade important technology and streamline our agency operations for greater efficiency.

Thank you to both of these wonderful area foundations for their generous assistance!

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.