Home Life Become a Santa for Seniors with Meals on Wheels

Become a Santa for Seniors with Meals on Wheels

20 December 2023

Meals on Wheels is encouraging the community to help make spirits bright for seniors during the holiday season.

Its Santa for Seniors community project asks people to buy a gift item for an older person, wrap and label it, and drop it off at the Meals on Wheels office by 21 Dec.

“During the holidays, some of our seniors celebrate alone and many of them don’t receive any Christmas gifts,” says Meals on Wheels General Manager Jennifer West. “On a daily basis, our seniors are struggling with just basic needs.”

Meals on Wheels provides hot meals to seniors and vulnerable people in the community year-round. It delivers an average of 350 meals a day across all five districts in Grand Cayman.

During the festive season, the non-profit organisation provides holiday groceries and welcomes donations of food items to fill its grocery bags.

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“We also welcome donations of bulk goods that our kitchens can use to prepare meals for our seniors,” says West.

Meals on Wheels has two dedicated staff members and relies on around 130 volunteers to deliver hot meals and hearty soups to seniors throughout the year.

Growing demand

Jennifer says demand for its services has grown significantly in recent times, fuelled by the rising cost of living and ongoing impact of the pandemic.

She notes many seniors face social isolation, with Meals on Wheels volunteers providing a vital connection to many in the community.

“Our seniors wait for the meal they need but even more so for that knock on the door that means they are not alone,” says Jennifer. “For many, the only human connection they have is with their Meals on Wheels volunteer. The service we provide is so much more than just a meal.”

She notes Meals on Wheels volunteers go above and beyond to help seniors with daily tasks, which helps them maintain their independence.

“Whether it’s changing lightbulbs, repairing wheelchair ramps, installing a hurricane shutter, providing supplemental groceries, fixing leaky roofs or repairing broken windows, we are committed to giving our clients the best they can possibly have,” says Jennifer.

“Despite the struggles so many face just to meet their daily needs, Meals on Wheels seeks to offer relief by removing the worry of access to food and so much more.”

Santa for Seniors Wish List

Buy an item from the Wish List and drop off the wrapped gifts at any time in the designated Santa for Seniors dropbox in the lobby of The Westin resort. Be sure to include a gift tag with your name and the gift contents/size.