Meals On Wheels: Delivering The Best Of Times During The Worst

GUILFORD, CT — There're thanks. And there’s giving. Guilford’s Meals on Wheels has the giving part down. The agency led by Guilford Interfaith Volunteers and overseen by Christi Burton is delivering 120 holiday feasts to its 90 Meals on Wheels client households on Thanksgiving morning. That number is double what was provided in 2019, owing largely to the coronavirus pandemic and increased need by seniors, many considered at high-risk.

The folks who will enjoy these meals will likely be thankful because this is more than just a plate of turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and cranberry sauce.

Burton told Patch all about the chef-prepared meals complete with floral arrangements and gift bags, crafts and cards created by local schoolchildren. These Thanksgiving dinners represent the volunteer efforts of many - and generosity of local business - to bring joy into the homes of the most in need.

“The cost to clients is nothing," Burton said. "This is our gift."

With 125 flowers donated by Guilford White House Florist, 125 pieces of fresh fruit wrapped and donated by The Fresh Market, an all-the-trimmings Thanksgiving dinner prepared by Guilford chef Larry Santamaria, 100 gift bags decorated by Hugh Henry, an Adams Middle eighth grader and Finn Henry, a junior at Guilford High School all packed with goodies including holiday crafts, donated by the Bovee family and all driven to every home by volunteer Meals on Wheels drivers, this Thanksgiving will long be remembered by Guilford Meals on Wheels clients, and in a very good way.