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Community Champions

Local Leaders and State Officials Deliver Hope: CHEER Concludes Successful “Community Champions Week” in Celebration of March for Meals 

CHEER celebrated its “Community Champions Week”, a cornerstone of the national March for Meals celebration, from March 16 through March 19. The month long campaign, launched by Meals on Wheels America, recognizes the historic day in 1972 when a national nutrition program for seniors was added to the Older Americans Act. That legislation helped create the nationwide Meals on Wheels network. That network now delivers 247 million meals to nearly 2.8 million seniors each year. The week of special deliveries draws attention to a growing need, as approximately 12,000 Americans turn 60 every day. 

This year’s event carried extra significance as it coincided with the 55th anniversary of the senior nutrition program and is CHEER’s 55th Anniversary. The scale of the local operation remains a testament to community dedication: over the past year, a workforce of 508 volunteers devoted 29,115 hours to ensure that 274,815 meals reached the doors of 1,545 homebound neighbors. 

Nonprofit partners, local and state officials joined CHEER’s front line heroes to deliver nutritious meals and vital wellness checks to homebound seniors throughout Sussex County. 

“Seeing our local and state officials step into the shoes of our volunteers is powerful,” said Beckett Wheatley, CHEER CEO. “It reinforces the message that when we deliver a meal, we are delivering independence. It was an honor to show our leaders that with over a quarter-million meals delivered last year; we aren’t just a nutrition program—we are a lifeline.” 

Among the “Champions” participating was Delaware Transportation Secretary Shante Hastings, who delivered meals in the Greenwood area. Afterward, she emphasized the critical role infrastructure plays in senior health. 

“I often say transportation affects everyone, even if you don’t leave your home,” said Secretary Hastings. “Meals on Wheels uses transportation to give people a meal and sometimes the only human interaction they have in a day or week. I’m grateful to be included in the 55th anniversary of the program and we look forward to partnering in the future.” 

Delaware Senator Russ Huxtable has participated in March for Meals for several years. This year he delivered meals in the Milton area. Afterward, he remarked, “It was my pleasure to be able to join CHEER, the volunteers, and the families served. The important part is that it isn’t work. It’s neighbor helping neighbor, it’s showing love in action and isn’t that the most beautiful part of what makes a community, a community?”  

Delaware State Housing Authority Director Matthew Heckles, who also delivered a route in the Milton area shared, “The state is a caring institution, and we want to make sure that we’re available, and not only that we’re doing what we think is right, but making sure that we are doing what Meals on Wheels thinks is right and what they need from us. CHEER is running an impressive Meals on Wheels operation. It was a privilege to help the regular volunteers deliver meals, and especially to talk with residents and hear how the food delivery makes a difference.” 

Sussex County Councilwoman Jane Gruenebaum joined CHEER to deliver meals seniors in the Long Neck area. Gruenebaum said CHEER enables vulnerable seniors to “age in place,” which helps strengthen their bond to their neighborhoods and communities. 

“The only way a lot of people can do that is through the help that the CHEER Center and other groups provide,” she said. “So, for me as a council member, it’s great to get out into the community to see where the need is, to see how these needs are being met and just to be aware of what we at the county level can do to be helpful.” 

The Delaware State Police also had representatives deliver meals. Corporal Patrick Jackson delivered meals in the Ocean View area while Corporal Ashley Stetser delivered meals in Greenwood. Ocean View Mayor John Reddington and Town Manager Carol Houck again delivered meals in Ocean View area. 

In Georgetown, where CHEER’s “Central Kitchen” is located, several dignitaries and partners helped pack meals to be delivered to CHEER centers throughout the county. These multi-year participants included CHEER Board President Walter Koopman, Sussex Sheriff Robert Lee, Chief Deputy Steve Smyk, and Joe Bryant and Melissa Meck from Delaware Health and Social Services Division of Aging.  

While the “Community Champions” have finished their routes, the “March for Meals” awareness campaign continues to bring awareness for the funding and volunteer support necessary to sustain these efforts. 

“Our partnership with CHEER is vital,” added Susan Dubb, Development Director for Meals on Wheels Delaware. “This week proved once again that when Sussex County leaders and residents stand together, we can ensure no senior is forgotten.” Ms. Dubb was also on hand to help pack meals. 

CHEER extends its deepest gratitude to the officials and volunteers who made this week a success. As the senior population continues to grow, CHEER is always seeking new volunteers and volunteer groups to help cover its expansive Sussex County routes. To find out more or to become involved, visit www.cheerde.com/volunteer, email volunteer@cheerde.com or call 302-515-0001 x1166.