Leo is pictured with furry friend Lulu.
For many seniors, a pet is a beloved family member, but stretching a limited income to provide food and other necessities for an animal can be an overwhelming burden. Throughout its 50 years in operation, Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels volunteers have often reported concerns that many homebound seniors “share” their Meals on Wheels with their furry friends.
Enter the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed a real need for a pet food delivery service. Changes in accessibility to food and transportation during the early months of the pandemic made it even more difficult for homebound seniors to get the supplies they needed for themselves and their pets.
Special to the OBSERVER Emily VanDette, left, and daughter Ellie with a few of the gift bags they created for the meal recipients on their route. A young crafter at School 7 puts the finishing touches on a holiday ornament he created for Meals on Wheels
Emily VanDette, left, and daughter Ellie with a few of the gift bags they created for the meal recipients on their route.
Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels is blessed to operate in a community where sharing is a way of life. During Subaru’s Share the Love Event, which runs through Monday. The agency invites everyone to Share the Love with our homebound neighbors during what might otherwise be a lonely time of year for them.
Special to the OBSERVER
Submitted photo
Meals on Wheels accepts donation of colorful handmade placements from Northern Chautauqua Quilting Companions. From left are Margo Perrello, Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels; quilters Cheryl Gawronski, Mary Mills, Joanne Kelley, Bonnie Schneider, Barb Lehnen and Connie Piccolo of Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels.
Remember when mom or grandma got out the “good” linens and dishes at holiday time?
The festive, celebratory atmosphere was enhanced by the appearance of cloth napkins and tablecloths, often in shades of 1970s avocado green or harvest gold. Everything about them still felt special, if hopelessly dated, even as the years went by.