Wayne County Meals on Wheels urgently calls for holiday volunteers

In Nassau County, New York, volunteers from the Garden City-based Family & Children's Association made special deliveries of holiday meals and gifts to 120 seniors. These efforts took place just days before Christmas, on Sunday morning, when around 20 volunteer drivers gathered to fill their vehicles at the Bristal Assisted Living in Jericho. The meals included traditional holiday fare such as turkey, stuffing, and desserts, providing comfort to seniors who often have limited social support. Many recipients, like Sadie Lloyd, 94, identified the program as their primary connection and support system. The Family & Children's Association plays a crucial role in delivering essential services to seniors, many of whom are isolated and rely on the organization for help with food and heating oil, especially in winter months. This delivery initiative is part of a larger effort to address the needs of seniors across Long Island, funded through sources such as Nassau County and the state Office for the Aging. Volunteers are not just delivering food; they are fostering connections that are vital to the well-being of many elderly residents who may otherwise spend the holidays alone and disconnected from their families. The program serves over 10,000 seniors, emphasizing the growing need for community support as the population ages.