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NYSCOPBA makes donation to Dunkirk-Fredonia MOW

Submitted Photo Members of the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association of Lakeview Correctional Facility recently presented Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels with a $600 gift to support its home-delivered meal program. Pictured from left are: Neal Gruber, NYSCOPBA; Sara Marsowicz, MOW volunteer; Debra Pacos, executive director MOW; Bill Makuch, NYSCOPBA.

Members of the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association of Lakeview Correctional Facility recently presented Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels with a $600 gift to support its home-delivered meal program. The funding will allow the purchase of nearly 200 evening meals for homebound seniors who require the nutritional boost a supplemental meal will provide for them.

“NYSCOPBA is proud to assist Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels and happy to support the work they do to ensure that seniors get the help they need,” said Neal Gruber, representative. “Our members strongly believe that no senior should ever have to go hungry. We are pleased that our donation will go toward additional food supplies for those who may have little else in their cupboards.”

According to a report issued in June 2016 by the National Foundation to End Senior Hunger, New York ranks number four in the nation in terms of threat of hunger among senior citizens. Every meal that Meals on Wheels delivers provides area homebound seniors with one-third of their daily nutritional requirements.

Besides the communities of Dunkirk and Fredonia, Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels also delivers to seniors in Silver Creek, Irving, Forestville, Sheridan, Brocton and Portland.

“A large percentage of seniors right here in our community suffer from food instability, meaning they are not able to afford and access food on a consistent basis,” said Debra Pacos, executive director for Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels. “This generous gift from NYSCOPBA will help us deliver enhanced nutrition and the healthy outcomes and peace of mind that goes with that.”

To qualify for Meals on Wheels, individuals must be age 60 or over, homebound or incapacitated due to accident, illness, or frailty and either unable or lack the knowledge and skills to prepare meals safely.  Some individuals may be eligible for assistance from the Chautauqua County Office for the Aging if unable to pay for their meals, or can only make a small contribution toward the cost.

A United Way partner agency, Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels also receives funding from foundations, community service organizations, grants and individual donors, which helps defray meal costs for individuals who can’t pay the full amount.

To make a contribution, visit “http://www.dfmealsonwheels.org” www.dfmealsonwheels.org or mail to Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels, 200 Lake Shore Drive West, Dunkirk, NY 14048. All donations stay in Northern Chautau-qua County.

Volunteers are desperately needed, especially during the winter months. One hour per week can change a life.

Individuals or groups who are interested in assisting area seniors may contact the office at 366-8822 or send an email  to:dpacosdfmow@netsync.net.

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