TOP STORY OF THE DAY: TIMELESS - Meals on Wheels coming to Brazil and Harmony

Submitted photo - Cloverleaf Healthcare staff recently met with Meals on Wheels staff to discuss their partnership.

A brainstorming session at Cloverleaf Healthcare of Knightsville has resulted in a partnership with Meals on Wheels.

“We were brainstorming on how to get nutritious meals to the elderly population,” explained Stephanie Hayes, Activity Director at Cloverleaf.

According to Shannon Wilkinson, Executive Director of TH Meals on Wheels, “Cloverleaf Healthcare reached out to us initially to volunteer and learn more about our program. We met a few days after their initial volunteering in the kitchen to see if we could collaborate in order to get a Meals on Wheels delivery route to Brazil.”

Wilkinson explained that at that meeting they came to an agreement to be able to serve the elderly and other individuals who would benefit from a nutritious meal from Meals on Wheels. Cloverleaf Healthcare would manage getting the volunteer drivers and the Meals on Wheels in Terre Haute would get people enrolled as well as preparing and packaging the meals.

Hayes noted that Meals on Wheels will deliver the meals to Cloverleaf, who will then deliver the meals in a 10 mile radius of their location in Knightsville.

This service will begin March 1 but at this time will only run on Tuesday and Thursday.

“It is my hope that eventually this will be a Monday through Friday delivery. However, at this time we're starting slowly to see what the interest is and allowing time to recruit more volunteer drivers. At this time, delivery days will be Tuesday and Thursday,” said Wilkinson.

Lunch and Supper will be offered. Lunch meal $4/day, Supper $5/day, or combo (both lunch and supper) $7/day

“The lunch meal is a cold meal with a sandwich, or salad with a side. The supper meal is a meal that can be heated up in the microwave or oven,” explained Wilkinson.

There are no income guidelines. It is simply the ability to pay the low cost that they charge. The low cost does not begin to cover the total cost of what it takes to provide this service. Donations are always welcome.

“Cloverleaf Healthcare has members of their staff that are committed to serving their community well. Delivering Meals on Wheels is one way that they are fulfilling their commitment to care for the elderly in the Brazil area,” said Wilkinson.

Hayes noted that they are still looking for volunteers as they grow the program.

“We are working on the routes and will be needing more volunteers,” Hayes said.

Wilkinson explained, “People can sign up by calling our office at 812-232-3878 or going to our website mowth.org to fill out a short application.” Hayes also has applications at Cloverleaf Healthcare located at 9325 N S Crawford St. in Knightsville.

This is exciting for the team at TH Meals on Wheels.

“TH Meals on Wheels has always just been able to serve the Terre Haute area. However, the previous director for Meals on Wheels, Rita Kaperak, had a desire to provide meals to those who need it in Brazil, but it just wasn't the right time. We are so thankful for Cloverleaf Healthcare reaching out to us with a desire to help make this a reality and help make this service available to Brazil.”

Terre Haute Meals on Wheels has been serving the Terre Haute community for over 50 years.

“Expanding this service to Brazil is an amazing opportunity to help more people receive a nutritious meal whether they be elderly, disabled, or those that might need meals delivered temporarily as they recover from an illness or other medical problem. We hold our clientele in high regard as we value providing delicious meals to those that need them,” said Wilkinson.

For Hayes and the team at Cloverleaf Healthcare the elderly in Clay County are a top priority.

“Our goal is to make sure the seniors in Clay County are not forgotten and that they have access to a nutritious meal,” said Hayes.

For more information about volunteering please call Hayes at 812-446-2309.