Perry Lutheran Homes Meals on Wheels now “Rolling” and in Need of Support

News

Perry Lutheran Homes has stepped up to fill the need of delivering nourishing meals to home-bound elders in Perry and northern Dallas county. Private individual and organization donations are needed to bridge the gap in funding to ensure that the program can continue into the future.

With the unfortunate closure of HomeCare Services Inc. of Dallas County effective August 30, 2019, home-bound elders were left wondering where their next meal would come from. Perry Lutheran Homes was approached by members of the Perry community with the news and request to fill the need. After reviewing additional information to assess feasibility, it was determined that with external financial support, Perry Lutheran Homes would indeed be able to step up and serve elderly and disabled citizens in need of both nourishment and in-home care in northern Dallas county.

Perry Lutheran Homes Meals on Wheels started delivery on Monday, September 23. Their focus in on caring for older adults or others who are home-bound because of illness, physical or mental impairment, unable to shop for food or prepare food independently, or are otherwise isolated.

Initial funding for Perry Lutheran Homes Meals on Wheels has come from Dallas County and Aging Resources of Central Iowa whom has also been an excellent resource helping with the startup of the service. However, a gap of $12,000 still exists to cover costs associated with the home-delivered meal program for the remainder of this fiscal year.

“Perry Lutheran Homes has recently been challenging others to StepUp and Serve Together our Elderly with Passion. Making a donation to support the Perry Lutheran Homes Meals on Wheels program is a great way to do that. About 85 percent of meals served by Perry Lutheran Homes Meals on Wheels are provided at low or no cost. A donation of $45 covers a week’s worth of delivered meals for one elder citizen, or a donation of $2,160 would cover a year’s worth of delivered meals for one elder citizen. A donation in any amount, large or small, will help,” states Melissa Gannon, COO & Administrator for Perry Lutheran Homes.

Gannon continues, “In addition to funding, volunteers are needed to deliver meals, smiles, warm greetings and daily encouragement. Volunteering to deliver meals can be another great way to StepUp for our elder and disabled citizens in need. Meals are delivered between 11:00AM and 1:00PM, Monday through Friday. Volunteers can deliver meals one day a week or all five; whatever fits with their schedule. Our volunteers may be the only person an older person sees during the day. Volunteers will help combat loneliness and isolation by forming friendships with meal recipients. They are also able to spot needs and help connect clients with appropriate resources. In addition, volunteers may also be a vital lifeline in the event of a medical emergency such as an accident or fall.”

There are three easy ways to make a donation and support local home-bound elders in need of food.

  1. You can mail a check to Perry Lutheran Homes, 2323 Willis Ave, Perry, IA 50220 and put “Meals on Wheels” in the memo.
  2. You can text the word “GIVE” to the number 515-320-8256.
  3. Or, you can donate online at https://perrylutheranhome.networkforgood.com/projects/81616-home-delivered-meals-from-perry-lutheran-homes.

To volunteer to deliver meals, or if you are a home-bound elder and would like to sign up for meal delivery, please call 515-465-7500. To learn more about Perry Lutheran Homes Meals on Wheels, visit https://perrylutheranhome.org/services/meals-on-wheels/

Perry Lutheran Homes, is your locally owned and managed, Christian Caring Community serving Perry and surrounding communities for over 60 years. Perry Lutheran Homes offers innovative, personalized, Christ-centered living and care at two campuses in Perry, IA – Willis Campus and Spring Valley Retirement Community Campus. Services include independent and assisted living, award-winning memory care, in-home care, respite care, skilled care, rehabilitative therapy, intermediate and long-term care, and end-of-life care.