Meals on Wheels program receives donation

The Carson City Senior Citizens Center recently received a donation of $10,000 from Landmark Communities - Jim and Katie Bawden, and longtime business associate John Serpa, to help fund its Meals on Wheels program.

Meals on Wheels is a nationwide program that provides meals to the elderly, homebound, disabled, frail or at-risk individuals. About 180 meals are delivered in Monday through Friday in Carson City.

It is also one of the center's most expensive programs to operate due to the price of gasoline and the need for hot and cold compartments for the meals. (The center takes care to keep food at proper temperatures, to ensure an already frail population does not get sick).

"I had read that the Meals on Wheels program was unable to produce their major fund-raiser this year and the loss would hurt the program," said Jim Bawden, president of Landmark Communities.

"I called my longtime business associate, John Serpa, and asked him to help replace the funding. He agreed and here we are."

The loss had left a big hole in the senior center's budget for the year, but generous contributions from Landmark and the community have helped put them back on track.

"Meals on Wheels is a phenomenal program," said Janice McIntosh, director of the senior center.

"It's more than just a meal. It gives them contact to the outside world, companionship, a nourishing meal, helps keep them out of nursing homes and allows them to live happily in their own homes.

"And it's a win-win situation for everyone involved - the staff feels accomplished, the donors can see the benefits they are giving to the community and the seniors benefit greatly as well."

- Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.

You can help

What: Donations to Meals on Wheels Program

Where: Senior Citizens Center, 911 Beverly Drive, Carson City, 89706

Call: 883-0703