Photo courtesy of Meals on Wheels Sarasota

It's that special time of year — a time to give and feel good about giving.

Throughout the entire year, Meals On Wheels of Sarasota (MOWSRQ) delivers hot, nourishing meals with a smile everyday to more than 750 homebound seniors, veterans, children and families. Meals On Wheels clients, who range in age from 3 to 106, receive meals because they are physically or mentally impaired and unable to prepare meals or go to a food pantry or grocery store. Hundreds of volunteers help prepare, pack and deliver heart-healthy meals daily throughout the year. 

Now, with holidays around the corner, they are collecting more than just food supplies — MOWSRQ is inviting the community to bring a little extra comfort and holiday cheer to neighbors in need through its annual Share the Love Holiday Gift Drive. In September, a wish list was distributed to help generous donors choose gifts that mean the most to clients.  Donated gifts will be available to drop off now through Friday, December 3, 2021 for their more than 1,000 clients to be delivered in early December. Only new items are accepted for children and adults in MOWSRQ's program. 

In addition to facing hunger, the Sarasota organization says, many of their clients are alone and isolated. The gift bags they receive brighten their holidays and remind them they are not forgotten. "The holidays can be difficult for those who are unable to spend them with friends or loved ones – especially now. Even a small gift makes a world of difference for the homebound," said Marjorie Broughton, the executive director of Meals On Wheels of Sarasota. “This is a particularly gratifying time of year because we know the joy they feel when they are remembered during the holidays.” 

In addition to the holiday drive, MOWSRQ will participate in the 2021 Subaru Share the Love® Event as a member of Meals on Wheels America, one of four national Share the Love charitable partners supported through the promotion. From November 18, 2021, through January 3, 2022, Subaru car dealership will donate $250 to a host of charities – including Meals On Wheels – for every new Subaru purchased or leased, per customer selection. “We are excited to continue our partnership with Subaru,” Broughton added. “Without the support of federal funding, we count on campaigns like this to help us continue supporting our seniors, veterans, children and families in need.”   

Share The Love Holiday Gift Drive option to "stuff the trunk" remains, where donors dropping off gifts fill up the trunks of their car with gifts and MOWSRQ photographs them. New gifts may be dropped off at Meals On Wheels of Sarasota (421 N. Lime Ave.), Monday to Friday, 10 am - 2 pm.

Photo courtesy of Meals on Wheels Sarasota

Learn more about Share The Love Holiday Gift Drive here