State Representative Drew Darby Lends a Hand to Meals for the Elderly

A few Meals for the Elderly recipients got a special surprise this morning - State Representative Drew Darby. Mr. Darby took the time to stop by San Angelo's Meals for the Elderly facility and not only take a tour and meet some of the volunteers, but also go out and deliver some of the meals.

President and CEO of Meals for the Elderly, Charlyn Ocker, explained, "Today is part of our March for Meals campaign, and during the month of March, we always invite a city champion or city leader to deliver meals. Next week is our actual City Champion Day, but Drew Darby was available today."

According to Ocker, Mr. Darby has been a long time supporter of Meals for the Elderly, even before entering the political arena, so she was definitely pleased that he had the time to visit.

Ocker noted that the program is now delivering to over 700 people in Tom Green County, and that Meals for the Elderly "has a lot of new things going on that we are hoping to share with Mr. Darby."

Mr. Darby, who went and delivered 12 meals this morning, said Meals for the Elderly is "one of the greatest programs that the community offers."

"I have been associated with this program for a number of years, long before I became a state representative," he stated. "Our community is blessed to have our senior citizens, but it represents a challenge too."

Mr. Darby explained that the challenge is getting the correct resources to the right people when they need them, making programs like Meals for the Elderly absolutely critical.

"In a lot of respects, this is the only human contact, tragically so, that some people have," he said. "Perhaps their families don't live in this area or seldom check on their loved ones. So, this program not only gets a hot meal to the folks, it also gives them an opportunity to have some interaction, and that is absolutely critical that we have that interaction. It also gives the organization an opportunity to check on their health."

"I am excited!" Mr. Darby chimed about going out and delivering to the senior citizens. "It's always good to get out say 'hello' to folks."

Mr. Darby added, "As a policy-maker, as a decision-maker on behalf of the State of Texas, my job is to make sure that we have resources for these worthwhile organizations so that they can help deliver and perform their mission."

Meals for the Elderly of San Angelo officials are always looking for community help in carrying out their mission - "one hot, nutritious, home-delivered meal each weekday, while ensuring their individual well-being through personal contact."

To donate or volunteer, please visit www.mealsfortheelderly.org, or drop by the location at 310 E. Houston Harte Expressway.