Kiwanis explores opportunities with Meals On Wheels

Kiwanis President Ray Budoi presents a check to Marie Patten-Blatter from Meals on Wheels as Kiwanian and Meals on Wheels volunteer Alex Krystynak looks on. 

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The Westlake Kiwanis invited Marie Patten-Blatter, Meals on Wheels' executive director, to speak at their Jan. 28 meeting and presented her with a check for the organization. Kiwanis currently delivers meals on the holidays to relieve the regular drivers and even have a member volunteering in the kitchen helping prepare the meals.

Marie said they are always looking for volunteers and funding. Visit their website, westlakemealsonwheels.org, to see all the ways you can help. This is their 45th year serving meals to the homebound. They currently serve the communities of Westlake, North Olmsted, Olmsted Township, Olmsted Falls and Bay Village, providing two meals a day, Monday through Friday, which costs $9 a day. They are currently serving between 63 and 80 people a day. Last year they served over 31,000 meals.

Westlake Meals on Wheels helps residents needing nutritional support on a short-term or long-term basis. They are a non-profit community service organization helping individuals with medical or aging issues. They help clients live independently despite personal limitations.

Westlake Meals on Wheels operates with 100% community support and is not government subsidized. They are funded through meal service fees plus community donations.

Under the direction of the executive director, the head cook supervises a team of volunteer kitchen assistants who prepare a wide variety of tasty, nutritious meals. They are delivered by dozens of volunteer drivers in their own vehicles.

Their nutrition program provides more than a meal; Meals on Wheels offers caring contact, security, and peace of mind.