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Issue 6 / Volume 11                        November 2018

WWW.MOWDIABLOREGION.ORG

  		 
With the end of 2018 fast approaching, the staff and Board of Directors for Meals on Wheels Diablo Region (MOWDR) are reflecting on the things for which we are grateful. This year, we are thankful to have celebrated our 50th Anniversary as an organization. A tremendous feat that would not have been possible without the volunteers, donors, community partners and past MOWDR leaders who have stood beside us and worked so hard to help us reach this landmark achievement.

As we look to the future of MOWDR, we are in search of a new leader to bring our vision beyond the past and continue our legacy into the next 50 years. We are excited to carry on and expand our mission to serve the needs of the growing senior population in Contra Costa County.

In the spirit of giving thanks, this month we would like to honor those who have supported MOWDR financially throughout the years. Our donors are part of our organization’s foundation. Without their generous support, we would not be able to deliver meals, provide companionship, make much-need home modifications, and provide other services to those seniors most in need throughout the county.

On behalf the MOWDR staff and Board of Directors, and the seniors we serve, we would like to thank you for your continued support and wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.

Best Regards,

Wayne A.S. Francis

Board Chairperson

 
 

Habit of Giving
William, a disabled Vietnam Veteran, and his wife Irene are regular donors to Meals on Wheels Diablo Region (MOWDR). We recently caught up with the couple to learn more about the reasons they donate to MOWDR month after month.  Read their full story here.

Thank you to William and Irene for their continued support of our mission. To learn more about donating to MOWDR contact Donor Relations Manager Erica Marcus at emarcus@mowdr.org or at 925.937.8315.

Thankful for our Volunteers
This month, MOWDR hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Event at the Brentwood Community Center. Over 150 volunteers from across Contra Costa County enjoyed an afternoon of seasonal foods and drinks, raffle prizes, and entertainment by local favorite, Zeke Nuez.
 
During the event, area elected officials shared their appreciation of the wonderful service our volunteers perform every day in the community. Local dignitaries who took to the stage included Congressman Jerry McNerney, District Director Erica Rodriguez-Langley of Assemblymember Jim Frazier’s Office, Supervisor Diane Burgis, and Brentwood Mayor Bob Taylor who presented the 2018 Volunteer of the Year Award to Lou Leardini. Also in attendance was Walnut Creek Mayor Justin Wedel who came to show his support and joined volunteers for lunch. Check out our photo gallery to relive the awesome event!

Thank you to all of the 1,500+ volunteers who help make our mission possible. There is still a dire need for Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers in East Contra Costa County. To learn more about volunteering with MOWDR, please visit www.mowdiabloregion.org/get-involved.


Share the Love is Back
Exciting news! For the eleventh year running, the national Meals on Wheels network is participating in the Subaru Share the Love Event. Over the past ten years, Subaru and its retailers have helped Meals on Wheels to deliver nearly 2 million meals nationwide to seniors in need.

Why does Subaru support Meals on Wheels? Too many seniors are struggling to stay independent and healthy. One in four seniors lives alone in isolation and one in seven seniors might not know where their next meal is coming from. This is simply unacceptable, which is why Meals on Wheels Diablo Region delivers nutritious meals, friendly visits, and safety checks to the seniors of Contra Costa County. This vital support helps seniors stay in their own homes, where they want to be.

Learn more about this year's Subaru Share the Love program here.


Donations Make A Difference
Your generous donations, no matter how big or small, make a tremendous difference in the lives of seniors throughout Contra Costa County.
 
MOWDR delivers the support that keeps seniors in their own homes, where they want to be. When seniors remain living in their own homes, out of hospitals and nursing homes, millions in Medicare and Medicaid costs are saved. Ninety cents of every dollar donated to MOWDR goes to the seniors we serve. Learn more about the impact you are making when you donate to MOWDR in this infographic.

Join us on November 27th, for #GivingTuesday and set up your own personal Facebook fundraiser to support MOWDR and help Contra Costa seniors who are in need of our services.

 

 

 
Save the date! On Wednesday, November 28, MOWDR will be launching our online Holiday Auction! You can bid and shop for unique holiday gifts that will directly benefit seniors including an exclusive private cooking class of a four-course dinner for eight guests with Chef Charles Vollmar and much more. Click here to learn more.

Meals on Wheels Diablo Region is Hiring!
We're looking for a Volunteer Coordinator and 
Outreach Associate. Click here for more information!
 

See what Meals on Wheels Diablo Region has been up to this past month in our new gallery! Click here to enjoy our photos.

Welcome to the Meals on Wheels Diablo Region family of volunteers! Click here to see the list of our newest volunteers.

Check out upcoming Meals on Wheels Diablo Region and other community events coming near you! Click here to learn more.

A special thank you to our generous donors who have given in tribute or in memory of their loved ones. Click here to see the list.

Read recent articles featuring Meals on Wheels Diablo Region including one in The Brentwood Press "What's Really Needed When Autumn Rolls Around."

Discover alternative ways to stay active, healthy, and happy in our new "Artful Aging" blog. Click here to get heart-healthy Thanksgiving tips.