October Newsletter

Dear Friend,

It’s funny how life has a funny way of giving you little signs that you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. I was packing up boxes during a recent move and came across an old Winnie the Pooh quote book I had been given – you see growing up I loved Pooh quotes – it sounds silly but that bear, and author A.A. Milne, had some pretty profound views on life.  

One of those favorite quotes highlighted was “It's more fun to talk to someone who doesn’t use long difficult words, but rather short, easy words like ‘What about lunch?’"

This wasn’t a disdain of intellect on my part but more a lifelong appreciation of the simplicity of lunchtime and the joy found gathering over a meal. Lunch is a meal with no pressure or pretense but instead a time to gather with friends, take a break from the day, breathe and find commonality. 

It’s also the heartbeat of Meals on Wheels.

It’s such magic that we have 100 volunteers that show up every day to ensure that 1,400 seniors across Wake County have lunch. It sounds simple and singular, just like Pooh said, yet the act of preparing those meals, ensuring they are hot, volunteers committing time, vehicles and gas, our seniors trusting us to show up and provide them with their basic nutrition – that is all tremendously vital responsibility.

In this fall season, as the leaves, world, and a government shutdown circle around us crazier than ever - it’s nice to remember that we have such a simple, important and clear mission – to ensure that every homebound senior has a hot meal and a friendly check-in at lunch.

It’s a mission we need you to join us in this fall – whether through picking up a volunteer route, donating to our annual campaign below, or joining at one of our fall events. 

So if your fall or world starts to feel crazy, maybe remember back to a simpler time and think of the words of that wise bear – ‘What about lunch?’ Then join us in recommitting to the impactful simplicity of the Meals on Wheels mission. 

Sara Walker

Director of Development and Communications

Meals on Wheels of Wake County

A Bluegrass Player Who Now Depends on a Different Kind of Tune: The Daily Knock on His Door

Wes lives alone in rural Knightdale, a community he's seen grown and change over his lifetime. He was a dedicated employee of the same company for more than 40 years - but his real passion was music.

Wes was a vibrant figure in the North Carolina bluegrass scene, playing with some of the most legendary names and had a regular set at the Longhorn Saloon.

Sadly, Wes lost his vision in his later years. He can no longer see to tune his guitar and had to stop playing. It's also no longer safe for him to cook, so his stove has been disconnected. Meals on Wheels is now his main source of food every day.

As Wes puts it, "I don't know how to cook, and I can't see to cook anymore...I don't even have my stove hooked up because I'm afraid I might catch something on fire. Meals on Wheels is a lifesaver to me."

But we provide more than just a meal. Our volunteers deliver the meal and check on Wes, fighting back against the loneliness and isolation so many of our clients feel. The music may have faded, but Wes' spirit hasn't - now he just relies on the melody of a daily visit from a Meals on Wheels volunteer.

Join us for our Fall Fundraiser - October 23rd

 📅 Thursday, October 23rd | 6–8 PM

The Hartwell | 620 W South St, Raleigh

🎟️ Tickets: $75 each | $250 for 4

🍴 Includes light bites, beer, & wine

All proceeds support Meals on Wheels of Wake County's mission to nourish, connect, and care for older adults in our community.

Purchase your tickets today and help deliver more than a meal!