In recent months, Meals on Wheels of Northwest Indiana has played a crucial role in aiding local residents following significant storms. Pam Edwards, a dedicated volunteer, formed a bond with John Ruiz, an 85-year-old client known for his talkative nature along her Merrillville Friday route. Fortunately, after the storms on August 11, Ruiz was confirmed to be safe. When Edwards visited him again on August 21, he mentioned that he regained power just the day before, with some assistance from his brother-in-law. During the power outage, Ruiz managed by eating McDonald’s, as Meals on Wheels was unable to deliver meals during that period. Edwards, 69, from Munster, expressed relief knowing someone checks on Ruiz regularly.
Another volunteer, Vega Blossom, from Portage, faced challenges on her route in Gary, where she cares for 27 individuals. On August 18, Blossom was left with nine extra meals and noticed a mother who appeared exhausted, accompanied by children, including a newborn. Blossom offered these meals to the family, learning that they, too, were without power.
Blossom reflected on the situation, noting, “It’s obviously tough to see someone facing challenges like that. However, I am glad to help.” As of Saturday morning, NIPSCO’s outage map indicated over 33,000 individuals remained without power, with approximately 17,000 of them located in Gary.
Meals on Wheels stands as a critical support system for Gary and Northwest Indiana during this historical period of power outages. Currently, the organization operates with over 500 volunteers across more than 50 routes, serving around 2,200 meals each day. Volunteer Manager Faith Evers emphasizes the system in place to monitor client health. Volunteers concerned about a client can mark a “change” in condition within their delivery application. The client services team then initiates contact and checks the person’s well-being as necessary.
Patricia Harris, a ten-year employee of Meals on Wheels, continues her work in packing meals, adapting to current needs. Recent changes include delivering hot meals rather than frozen ones for those without power over the weekend. To expedite initial delivery, names of individuals in need, provided by Gary’s city government, are processed promptly.
Melissa Huffman, Director of Community Engagement and Marketing, communicated via email that Meals on Wheels has added 21 new clients since the storms, altogether serving around 108,000 meals in Gary annually. Their fundraising campaign, “Neighbors in Need: Start Your Engines NWI,” aims to raise $50,000 to provide 8,000 meals.
Individuals seeking services are encouraged to call 219-756-3663, extension 1, or visit mownwi.org/registration. Donations can be made via phone or at donorbox.org/neighbors-in-need.