Home is where the heart is.

Updated on August 8, 2017

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“She’s my constant companion.” Thomas is referring to Lucy, his 8 year old furry friend, who can be found right by his side most of the time.

Thomas has been in his home for nearly 30 years, the home where he raised his children and the home where his wife did all of the cooking when they were married. After the divorce, he managed just fine living on his own– until he was diagnosed with diabetes and arthritis.

The side effects of both drained his energy and made him unsteady on his feet. Even simple tasks became difficult. Driving to the store to get food for himself, and Lucy too, became dangerous.

It was then Thomas realized he needed some help. He remembered his mother used to receive Meals On Wheels so he decided to give it a try.

Today, Thomas is nourished, happy, and safe in his home with Lucy. He is forever grateful for the wonderful volunteers who bring him a hot meal and a friendly smile each day. Even Lucy receives pet food delivered once a month by volunteers through the Animeals program.

“It’s a wonderful thing I tell ya’, you all have helped me and Lucy so much. You are the reason we are still here, healthy and happy, in our home. I am forever grateful to you all.”

This community has helped serve hundreds of homebound and seniors just like Thomas every day. All of them have an intense desire to remain living in their own home rather than face other alternatives. Many have no family or friends to help them. And for some, the MOW volunteers are their family.

Thank you for your continued support of Meals On Wheels of Tampa. Allowing us to help nourish, enrich and strengthen our elderly, disabled and at-home neighbors, like Thomas.

About Meals On Wheels of Tampa:
Meals On Wheels of Tampa has been committed to nourishing and enriching the independent lives of the homebound and seniors of Tampa since 1975. Today, Meals On Wheels of Tampa serves over 700 people with a hot meal during the lunch hour. Meals On Wheels of Tampa is a 4-star charity and relies on its community for support by not accepting government funding.