CBS 19 - The Eye of East Texas News - Meals on Wheels Volunteer Shortage

Meals on Wheels Volunteer Shortage

By Anthony Austin

Hundreds of East Texans would not have a meal if it wasn't for Meals on Wheels volunteers. Everyday they deliver 3,200 meals to the elderly and sick and shut in.

"One of my bears can quote to you all the 23rd of Psalms," Eva Barefield told CBS 19.

Eva Barefield has a full house of teddy bears.

"This one was given to me on my 95th birthday," Barefield added.

She's 96 now, and collects the stuffed animals and then, gives them to patients at local hospitals. Lately, Miss Eva has needed help of her own.

"I call all those people who come here my guardian angels," explained Barefield. 

Those guardian angels are Meals on Wheels volunteers who bring her food every day.

"I believe it's a way to serve and actually put a solution in people's hands, cause you're handing them a hot meal for lunch," Volunteer Joe Arcienega said.

"I don't have to worry about going to the store, worrying about what I'm going to eat," replied Barefield.

But the organization is worried about who's going to deliver those meals to people like Miss Eva. They have more than 80 routes that are not filled.

"If they don't receive a meal from meals on wheels, they will have to go on a waiting list or they will go hungry," commented Rachel Hatt, Meals on Wheels Spokesperson.

Even more volunteers will be needed this summer as many of the regular drivers take summer vacations with their families.

Next week alone, there are nearly 40 open routes.

"In many cases, we'll be the only human beings they'll see that day and talk to," said Arcienega.

Miss Eva hopes her guardian angels will continue to visit, and that her teddy bears will forever comfort others.

"What do you all get bringing me Meals on Wheels? That's the way I feel, that you're helping someone and bringing joy into their life," said Barefield.

To volunteer with Meals on Wheels:

Call: 903-593-7385, or visit www.mealsonwheelseasttexas.org