Participants at Meals on Wheels’ Subaru Stuff the Trunk Event surround the stuffed cars. Submitted Photo.

FREDONIA, NY (December 4, 2019) – Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels is once again participating in the 2019 Subaru Share the Love Event as a member of Meals on Wheels America – one of four national Share the Love charitable partners supported through the promotion. This year’s campaign runs from November 14, 2019 through January 2, 2020.

On December 4, Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels rolled out its second annual “Stuff the Trunk” Event during a Holiday Open House to celebrate their participation in the Subaru Share the Love campaign. Those attending were invited to stuff the trunk of a Subaru Outback with holiday foods to help fill Christmas baskets for needy families served by the Salvation Army of Dunkirk. Informational materials about the Subaru’s Share the Love campaign and its impact on local Meals on Wheels programs were also distributed at the Event.

“This year we collected so much food we needed two Subarus to hold it,” said Debra Pacos, Executive Director, Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels. “We were delighted that our local community really got into the spirit of “Share the Love” by supporting the Salvation Army’s efforts to provide festive holiday meals to needy families in our area.”

For over three years Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels and The Salvation Army of Dunkirk have partnered on a mobile food pantry that provides Meals on Wheels clients groceries and personal care items they may otherwise be unable to access. “Shopping lists” are distributed to clients monthly so that they are able to order the foods they prefer from the items available at the Pantry. Orders are packed at the Salvation Army and delivered by Meals on Wheels volunteers.

“The Salvation Army recognizes that holidays can bring added financial and emotional stress for families in need,” said Major Christina Ramirez. “The Salvation Army assists dozens of families during the holiday season and events like the one held by Meals on Wheels represent our community’s spirit of giving at its best.”

Over 400 pounds of stuffing, potatoes and other holiday foods were collected and delivered to the Food Pantry at the Salvation Army.

“Next year our goal will be to fill three or more Subaru trunks with food,” laughed Pacos.

Since 2008, the Subaru Share the Love Event has helped local Meals on Wheels programs deliver over 2.2 million meals to vulnerable seniors nationwide. By purchasing or leasing a new Subaru during the Subaru Share the Love Event and selecting Meals on Wheels as your charity of choice, you can help deliver nutritious meals and other important services to seniors right here in Northern Chautauqua County.

Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels is supported by a corps of more than 60 volunteers who deliver hot, nutritious meals, warm smiles and a safety check that helps keep over 300 seniors healthy, safe and living independently in their own homes each year.

A United Way Community Partner, Meals on Wheels also receives support for its programs and operations from the Chautauqua County Office for the Aging, Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, area service organizations, churches and individual donors.

For more information about how you can help bring nutrition and independence to more of our senior neighbors, phone Dunkirk-Fredonia Meals on Wheels at 716-366-8822, or email to dpacosdfmow@netsync.net.