Wheelin’ and dealin’ up seasonal cheer

On Christmas Day, a small army of people who understand the reason for the season, made sure a lot of local folks had a hot meal and were not forgotten.

“The D-Day Invasion had nothing on us,” said Mary Evelyn Arnold, of Sonoma’s Meals on Wheels organization. “We were organized and motivated and everyone had such a great time serving meals all over town to the people who need our help.”

Arnold, a member of the Sonoma Meals on Wheels board, has volunteered for the organization for 12 years.

She said 58 people were brought a Christmas dinner on Thursday, including 38 individuals and 20 guests.

“The crew cooked Christmas dinner on Wednesday and Thursday. We got them a fabulous meal of beef tenderloin, shrimp cocktail, bread pudding, stuffed mushrooms and eggnog cheesecake,” said Arnold. “There were cookies and candies galore.”

Sonoma’s Meals on Wheels has been getting food to people who need the help for four decades. The service is provided Monday through Friday, and the organization is made up entirely of volunteers. Though most of the program’s clients are folks over 60 who have been recommended by a healthcare professional, the program’s directors said they have clients as young as 29.

“Many of our clients have chronic illnesses that keep them from being able to leave their homes. Some are temporarily unable to get around, due to surgeries or other issues. We don’t ask what’s wrong with you,” said Susan Weeks who, along with Sue Holman, directs the local program.

“We won’t turn anyone down who asks for our help,” added Holman. “We ask for $25 per week, or if you can’t afford that, then whatever you can pay. But half of our clients can’t afford to pay anything and we will always continue to feed them.”

The program receives funding only through private donations and bequests. The $25-per-week fee clients are asked to contribute, if they are able, is the program’s other source of funding. Donations range from individual cash contributions and financial bequests, to regular supplies from area businesses. Among the stores who provide food and supplies to the program – either for free or at cost – are Sonoma Market, Oak Hills Farms, Paul’s Produce, Safeway and Whole Foods.

“Throughout the year, we get as many as 150 steady volunteers, including 40 drivers and over 60 cooks,” said Arnold. “We get kids from the local schools who volunteer as part of their public-service requirements. Anyone who wants to help is welcome to join us.”

Arnold said there were no requirements for volunteering, except “a willing and generous heart and hand.”

During the year, the program can always use more people who will volunteer to be drivers and cooks. Holman said volunteers only have to put in an hour per week or a few hours per month to have a big impact on the lives of people who need help. All volunteers will be trained how to cook or help deliver meals.

“When I started volunteering, I couldn’t cook. We will teach anyone who wants to help,” said Holman.

For more information, contact the Sonoma Meals on Wheels program on the campus of Trinity Episcopal Church, at 275 E. Spain St. The phone number is 935-9141. Donations may be dropped off at the Trinity Church offices, or they can be mailed to Meals on Wheels of Sonoma; P.O. Box 622, Sonoma, CA. 95476.