This past Dec. 9, Meals on Wheels of the Sandhills conducted its annual meeting and volunteer recognition at Penick Village. The volunteers were honored for their dedication in delivering hot, nutritious meals to homebound adults. Sallie Blecharczyk, retiring board member, was recognized for her years of faithful service. Joan Coleman and Joe Malone were welcomed as the latest additions to the Board of Directors, and joined all the volunteers in congratulating Olive Johnson for 25 years of compassionate service.

During 2005, volunteers delivered more than 24,000 meals to homebound residents in the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen, and Pinebluff areas. Two hundred individuals received hot lunches, even on weekday holidays.

Rain or shine, these grateful beneficiaries of this nationally recognized program received more than a meal. Smiles and true compassion were also dished out in heaping portions.

“I look forward to it every day,” says a recipient. “Seeing my friends every day, it makes me so happy. This makes my family very, very happy because they don’t have to worry about me having a good, balanced meal every day.”

The recipients of the meals are not the only ones to benefit from the experience.

“An hour and a half is little for what we get back,” says one volunteer. “The big part is the appreciation that they have for our bringing the meals. It far outweighs any effort we have to go through to make it come true.”

Another volunteer echoed that sentiment.

“The blessing is really ours,” she says. “It is a wonderful service.”