AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) – In the chilling cold, one nonprofit is delivering warmth and nutrition to Amarillo’s elderly population.

Meals on Wheels is a vital resource year-round, and even more so in the dangerously cold weather.

On days like today, dedicated volunteers brave freezing temperatures to ensure that seniors don’t go hungry.

“We take care of people that can’t get out and they can’t fix their own meals or don’t have any way of preparing or receiving a hot nutritious meal,” said Susie Akers, executive director, Meals on Wheels.

Truda Thompson is one of those seniors.

“I don’t have to cook and its a lot easier for me,” said Thompson.

Thompson says if it wasn’t for Meals on Wheels, she would be eating cold hot dogs.

“Which isn’t bad if that’s all you have, but our meals are well balanced. We have a protein, a starch, a vegetable, dessert, bread and then whole or skim milk, if they want it,” said Akers.

Volunteers are delivering more than just a meal, especially during this arctic blast.

“There’s a lot of people that their houses are drafty and they’re cold, so it’s important that we make sure they’re okay and that they have some heat and, you know, it would just be awful if your heat went out right now,” said Akers.

Lance Lahnert, a volunteer, says days like this shows why Meals on Wheels is so important.

“I love it, I make sure on bad days I’m available because of that reason. You need to check in on the elderly and the shut-ins in Amarillo,” said Lahnert.

Meals on Wheels also makes sure pets are fed with its newest program, Animeals.

“If you can’t afford your own meals, you probably can’t afford pet food. And so we’re delivering once a month enough pet food for dogs and cats to last a whole month, so our clients don’t have to share their meals with their pets,” said Akers.

Meals on Wheels is always in need of volunteers, especially during these colder months.

“It takes just about an hour to deliver a route, so it doesn’t take that much of your time and I promise it’ll be the best hour of your week,” said Akers.

Routes run Monday through Friday.

If you’d like to volunteer, click here.

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