Some recipients of the Meals on Wheels program in Richmond County hope their concerns make it to Capitol Hill.
 
James Estes, a regional representative for U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis, rode along and helped make deliveries to 11 homes in Ellerbe late Tuesday morning, listening to those who get meals delivered explain why they think the program is beneficial.
 
Daphene Holder, known affectionately as “Daffy,” is a widow who recently underwent knee surgery.
 
When Estes asked what the program meant to her, she replied, “Eating a meal, instead of just a sandwich or some peanut butter crackers.”
 
Judy Tyndall, director of the Ellerbe Senior Center, said that with Holder being home and her daughter working, the program is a huge help.
 
“When she first had her surgery, she couldn’t walk at all,” Tyndall said. “So for her to have a good, hot meal at lunch, it’s important.”
 
Estes also asked Holder about the importance of the interaction with those making the deliveries.
 
“I feel that they’re very helpful and gentle, kind,” she said, adding that they have problems of their own.
 
Kim Partin, nutrition director for Richmond County Aging Services, who oversees Meals on Wheels, explained that Holder was talking about residents of the Mallard Lane group home, disabled adults who are some of the program’s volunteers.
 
“It’s a win-win because it puts them out in the community, giving back to the community and they feel like they’re serving a purpose,” added Tyndall, who used to work at the home.
 
“They were just excited every day when we’d get ready to go and deliver meals,” she said. “Because if not, they would be in day program, which they do every single day…so this gives them a break in the monotony…they become friends with the people that they support, they look forward to seeing them.”
 
Adam Webb, a spokesman for Tillis, said the Senator could not be here himself because of the Senate being in session. Tillis is one of two Republican Senators from North Carolina, along with Sen. Richard Burr. Partin said the agency reached out to several members of Congress, but Tillis’ office was the only one that responded.
 
“As a member of the Aging Committee, Sen. Tillis is firmly committed to making sure that North Carolina’s senior population is taken care of,” Webb said in an email. “Meals on Wheels is an important program that improves the quality of life for seniors across the country, and Sen. Tillis will continue to work to ensure that seniors have access to these types of programs and resources.”

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