(Posted May 3, 2021)
LifeCare Alliance recently presented the Madison County Congregate Dining Spirit Award for 2020 to longtime Meals on Wheels volunteer and Mount Sterling resident Marilyn “Mel” Leiper.
“Mel has always been a staple helper in the Meadowview Apartments, but in 2020 she was an unstoppable force,” said Tony Madison, a driver for Meals on Wheels. “She has helped us ensure there was not a gap in services to the residents of Meadowview.”
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March last year, LifeCare Alliance shut down the dining center at the apartments. Leiper helped the organization transition the residents to home-delivered meals.
“She has helped to hand deliver over 3,000 meals. She also has helped coordinate Thanksgiving and Christmas meals,” Madison said.
Leiper made frequent calls to update meal plans for residents and let LifeCare Alliance know if residents wouldn’t be home to receive the meals.
“Even through some health issues, she continued to make sure everyone got meals who needed them. She is a top notch volunteer, and we are forever grateful for her,” Madison said.
Meals on Wheels provides meals to shut-ins and senior citizens. Volunteers help to deliver the meals. Various routes are available throughout the county. Any schedule can be accommodated, from once a month to five times a week.
To learn more about Meals on Wheels in Madison County, contact coordinator Leah Baird at (740) 845-7325.
