Jean Gordon
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 7:30 am
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Meals on Wheels is a lifesaver for 74-year-old Charles Allison of Rutherfordton and others in Rutherford County. The meals program also allows some senior citizens to stay at home.
Allison said, "I don't know what I'd do without Meals on Wheels...It's so much more than food. They check on me. They are so friendly. It's a great blessing and I couldn't do without it."
Allison is among 200 senior citizens in Rutherford County who receive Meals on Wheels five days a week from the Rutherford County Senior Center's Nutrition program. Meals are cooked fresh each day, consisting of meat, veggies, fruit, milk and juice and are delivered throughout the county by a group of dedicated volunteers.
Allison says his lunch meal is always enough for supper. "So I get two meals out of every meal. That's 20 meals a month. It's just wonderful."
Allison has Parkinson's disease and can't make his own food. Without Meals on Wheels, Allison said he couldn't live at home and would have to go to assisted living.
For Allison and the other seniors receiving Meals on Wheels, a fundraising gift of $11,000 from the Rutherford Women's League assures the program will continue and be even stronger feeding those who can't make their own food and are still living in their homes.
"On behalf of the Rutherford County Senior Center, I want to express our heartfelt thanks to the Rutherford Women's League for your incredible generosity and community spirit," said Senior Center Director Tammy Aldridge. "The $11,000 raised through your 'Shoot Out Hunger' event will have a direct and lasting impact on our Home Delivered Meals program. This gift is enough to provide daily meals for six homebound seniors for an entire year-a truly remarkable contribution that speaks volumes about your commitment to our older adult population."
"Donations like this one are essential to expanding our reach and reducing the number of seniors waiting for help. Every contribution-financial or volunteer-brings us closer to making sure no senior in Rutherford County is left behind," Aldridge said.
"With over 200 seniors currently served and a growing wait list, this support comes at a crucial time," Aldridge said. "It helps ensure that our most vulnerable senior citizens continue to receive the nutrition, care, and connection they need to remain healthy and independent in their homes. Thank you for your creativity, compassion, and dedication. Your efforts have made a real difference-and together, we are truly #MoreThanAMeal."
"Shoot Out Hunger" fundraising Chair Jennifer Appling said, "We are truly grateful to everyone who participated, sponsored, and supported Shoot Out Hunger. It's inspiring to see our League members and greater community partners come together to make a real difference in the lives of our local seniors."
The fundraiser was held on the Cleghorn Gun Club campus with 68 participants forming 17 teams for the clay pigeon shooting competition.
"We are proud to support the Rutherford Women's League in raising funds for such a vital community service as the Home Delivered Meals program," said Justin Appling from Appling Boring Company.
"As a Gold Sponsor, participating in this well-organized event was truly a pleasure," he said.
Myra Cowan, owner of On Main in Spindale, shared her enthusiasm for the cause: "On Main was honored to sponsor the RWL Charity Shoot in support of the Home Delivered Meals program. This program provides an invaluable service to our community, supporting seniors and the homebound with care and dignity. They are one of the many reasons this community is such a wonderful place to call home."
Patsy Kirkland, nutrition manager for the Senior Center also expressed gratitude.
"We are deeply grateful to the Rutherford Women's League for their generous support of our Home Delivered Meals program through their recent "Shoot Out Hunger" fundraiser," Kirkland said. "Their compassion and dedication are making a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors across Rutherford County."
Kirkland said as the need for meals continues to grow, the need for volunteer drivers also increases.
Most volunteer routes take about an hour to complete, and it's one of the most rewarding ways you can give back. You can help once a month, once a week, or even serve on call when a regular driver is unavailable.
"Delivering meals is about more than nutrition-it's about connection, kindness, and showing our seniors they are not forgotten," she said. "I have personally had seniors tell me 'thank you,' and that without Meals on Wheels, they could not remain in their homes. That kind of feedback is a powerful reminder of how essential this service is," she said.
Donations are always needed to sustain and expand the program, Kirkland explained.
"Every hour volunteered and every dollar donated helps reach more people who need us," she said.
"Together, we are building a stronger, more caring community-one meal, one visit, and one kind act at a time," she said.
Rutherford County is entirely rural, spanning 566 square miles, and unfortunately, Meals on Wheels cannot reach every area of the county due to limited staff, funding, and volunteer capacity.
"At this time, we have a waiting list of 64 seniors who qualify for services but are not yet receiving meals," Aldridge said. "When we aren't able to reach someone directly, we do our best to refer them to another agency or resource that may be able to help. Still, the need continues to grow."
In addition, the rising cost of food has made it even more difficult to meet the demand. Each meal provided must stretch further, and the resources required to keep up with growing needs are increasing every year.
The Rutherford Women's League extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and community members who made the Shoot Out Hunger fundraiser a resounding success. Together, we are making a meaningful impact in the lives of Rutherford County seniors, ensuring that the Home Delivered Meals program continues to provide vital support. Your dedication and generosity are truly appreciated.
"Together, we are building a stronger, more caring community-one meal, one visit, and one kind act at a time," Kirkland added.
Teams of four, with prizes awarded to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and last-place winners.
This year's top shooters were:
1st Place: Team On Main in Spindale, with the first place shooter being James Cowan.
2nd Place: Ray Bridges
3rd Place: Ashley Ruppe