Bridge the Gala Gap

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Meals-on-Wheels of New Rochelle’s mission has never been more vital. This year as Covid-19 ravaged our community, our client base grew by approximately 65 percent. These homebound men and women depend on our faithful volunteers to deliver hot, nutritious meals prepared by the dedicated staff at Montefiore New Rochelle. Our program enables our fragile clients to remain in the safe and familiar surroundings of their own homes.

When it became impossible to hold our Annual Gala fundraiser, our Board made the decision to turn to a special campaign which will run until October 31st. Your donation to the Bridge the Gala Gap campaign will help us replace the funds that would have been generated by ticket sales, journal ads, and other donations in support of the Gala.

We are asking both individuals and businesses, who have been loyal and generous in the past, to stand with us and help us Bridge the Gala Gap. The need is urgent. We will recognize your generosity with an Honor Roll on our website, http://www.mownewrochelle.org. ALL gifts are appreciated.

Please DONATE! Click the link below for our GoFundMe page:

https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/meals-on-wheels-of-new-rochelle

On behalf of our clients, volunteers, staff, and Board, thank you for helping us Bridge the Gala Gap.

Sincerely,

Fran and Pat

Fran Stachnik, President

Pat Showers, Director

Comments from Our Volunteers...

“Now that I’m working from home, I have some extra time that I used  to spend travelling.  I wanted to find a way to help out in my own community.  Thanks so much for organizing this wonderful Program! “

“We wanted to find a way to do something positive during this crisis.  My Grandmother delivered Meals-on-Wheels in the 1960’s and 1970’s in  Watertown, NY.  That was the inspiration to reach out to you in March. I feel a connection to my Nana all the time – and now even more as we  make these deliveries. My wife and I have found this experience to be rewarding and we have been honored to be a small part of this wonderful organization.  THANK YOU!! “

“ I have been a driver for MOWNR for about four months. During that time I have found MOWNR to be an excellent, fulfilling, efficient and well-run organization…”

MOWNR Meal Delivery during COVID-19 SAFETY FIRST!!

It is a responsible but lonely image to see an empty bag hanging on a door commented volunteer Maureen Palotta.

The COVID-19 Challenge . . . Safely Delivering Meals

Meals-on-Wheels of New Rochelle has been challenged during the COVID-19 Pandemic. We had to figure out how we could ensure the safety of our clients and our volunteers but continue the daily deliveries to our many senior homebound clients. Our current clients and the many new clients brought on needed help more than ever during this difficult time. We did not want to put our clients or volunteers at risk. So, we asked our clients to place a bag or a table outside their door so the volunteers would be able to transfer the meals from the hospital trays into the bag and leave the meals without coming in direct contact with the clients. Safety for both was critical. Although our clients miss the daily interaction, the friendly smiles and the chats they had with their volunteers and the volunteers miss being able to interact with their clients, checking to make sure they are ok, this change has protected both clients and volunteers and allowed us to continue this needed service during this very difficult time.

Volunteer Mike Altamirano safely delivering meals to one of his clients.