Today Meals on Wheels of Lehigh County kicked off its 45th year serving Lehigh County homebound at a small celebration at its meal
pick-up site. In addition, Dave Bausch, one of the Agency’s founders and first
board members, delivered the Agency’s 6.8 millionth meal to Bernadine Janny of
Allentown.
On February 1, 2021 Meals on Wheels of Lehigh County began
serving the homebound by delivering two meals to nine clients on 3 routes. Today, the Agency serves 450 clients on 33
routes every weekday.
According to Executive Director Pamela S. Bechtel: “For 45 years we have provided home delivered
meals and friendly visits to our homebound neighbors to help them remain living
in their own homes. This would not be possible without the support of our
dedicated volunteers and generous donors.
The dedication of our volunteers is amazing. This is evidenced by the fact that one of our
volunteers, Eleanor Matyus, who started delivering meals on February 1, 1971,
is delivering meals on her regular route today.”
Lehigh County Executive Tom Muller presented the Agency with
a county proclamation of congratulations.
He said: "When I delivered
meals for the first time four years ago, I saw firsthand the positive impact
that program has on the lives of our citizens.
I commend Meals on Wheels on its 45th anniversary.”
Ellen Kern, Chief of Staff, Senator Pat Browne and Brittney
Waylen, Legislative Aide, Office of Represenative Ryan Makensie, presented citations from the Pennsylvania
legislature honoring Meals on Wheels for its contributions to enhancing the
quality of life for the people the agency serves.
Dave Bausch and Pam Bechtel delivered the 6.8 millionth meal
to Bernadine Janny of Allentown.
Bernadine said: “I love my meals and eat every one of them. I am so happy to have this program. It is so
nice to see someone every day and also to get special presents. I love the quilt that Meals on Wheels sent me
at Christmas. I feel special.”