MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD) – East Cooper Meals on Wheels is
preparing to temporarily suspend regular operations this week and is gearing up
for its busiest delivery ever.
The local non-profit said current volunteers are working to
double pack food and will deliver a two-week supply of frozen meals to every
current recipient on Tuesday. “Over 3,000 meals total,” the organization said
in a news release Monday.
Leaders say the decision to suspend operations is out of an
abundance of caution with a focus on protecting the health of the homebound
recipients.
East Cooper Meals on Wheels will suspect its daily
operations beginning Wednesday, March 25th through Monday, April 6th.
“Throughout this dynamic event, we have taken many precautions focused on maintaining the health of our volunteers, staff, and meal recipients,” said George Roberts, president and CEO of East Cooper Meals on Wheels. “As things continue to evolve, we believe this is a necessary step to protect our community-at-large and the homebound neighbors who depend on us daily.”
East Cooper Meals on Wheels said there will be plenty to eat,
but the suspension of daily deliveries will undoubtedly have a profound impact
on the homebound, who often look forward to the visit from a volunteer even
more than the meals.
The organization is asking volunteers to check in daily with
phone calls to keep recipients from feeling totally isolated whole deliveries
are halted.
“Social distancing, self-quarantines, and reduced
availability of necessities are certainly challenging every one of us right
now, especially from a mental health perspective, and we all look forward to a
return to ‘normal’ life,” said Roberts. “But, for our homebound recipients, isolation
and loneliness are everyday occurrences. It’s my hope that this experience
helps us all grow in our empathy for those who are confined to their homes no
matter what is happening in the world around them.”
East Cooper Meals on Wheels says it will be available to
provide a one-time delivery of frozen meals to anyone who becomes newly
quarantined at home due to testing positive for COVID-19 or being knowingly
exposed to it.
To receive meals, you are asked to email [email protected] or call (843) 881-9350
