(Pictured above: Lyft driver Kelcy Lum delivering a hot meal)
[paypal-donation]As the holiday season arrives only in Hawaii can we find a mixed plate of onolicious staples on our holiday potluck table. Everyone contributes to a potluck. It’s part of our island culture for everyone to do their part, to take care of those who have taken care of us.
Volunteer Sandy (not her real name) knew this all too well on her Tuesday lunch
route in Kaimuki. She always delivered meals to Mrs. Cade (not her real name) right
at 12:25 p.m. Mrs. Cade, 88 years old, would always wait eagerly by her front window,
sitting in her wheelchair. She would see Sandy at the entrance of her driveway and
with a big smile wave her to come. This Tuesday was different. Mrs. Cade was not sitting by the window. Sandy knocked on
the door three times, calling out to her name but there was no response. Sandy called the
house phone, also no response. Sandy quickly informed the staff at Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels, who then contacted
Mrs. Cade’s son. However, after four tries, he did not answer. Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels staff called the police, who entered
the home through a back door and saw that Mrs. Cade had fallen out of her chair. Emergency services also showed up and
it was later determined that Mrs. Cade had a stroke. She was immediately taken to the hospital and joined by her son.
Today, Mrs. Cade is in rehab and will be returning home within the month.
Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels is there to take care of those who took care of us. We are here to help families sleep better at night so that they can continue with their daily responsibilities, knowing that we are keeping a watchful eye on their aging loved one. Please consider a gift to Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels so that we can continue to serve our kūpuna and disabled homebound individuals who are in need.
Home-delivered meals are part of a greater continuum of care that enable our kūpuna and disabled to remain as independent as possible and live in their own homes, so that they can enjoy the holidays with their family.
Mahalo,
Michelle Cordero-Lee
Chief Executive Officer
Click here to see the many ways you can donate to Hawaii Meals on Wheels
