SARASOTA – July 2019 – Barbara Shaver was an Air Force nurse who served for eight years in the Philippines during the Vietnam war, and has volunteered at Meals on Wheels for the past three years. Still taking care of people through her volunteer service, she said that the most common emotion shared by the Veterans on her route is the pride they feel for having served their country.
On the Fourth of July, a holiday meal of barbeque chicken, baked beans, coleslaw and more is being delivered to homebound residents in need. In celebration of Independence Day, a small American flag will accompany the meal and serve as another opportunity to thank local Veterans for their service. Veterans make up more than 20% of the residents served daily by Meals On Wheels of Sarasota within its 600 square mile delivery area. More than 500 meals are delivered every day, six days a week, including holidays. Many of the volunteers helping prepare and deliver the food are veterans themselves.
Rose Britanak served with Navy Public Health Services for 25 years in Vietnam, Kenya, Afghanistan and countries around the globe. When she was asked about serving Veterans by delivering food, she said, “It is my honor. It is my complete honor.” For the past three years Rose has partnered with volunteer Maureen Walsh to deliver food to homebound residents.
For more information about the services that Meals On Wheels of Sarasota provides for the community, volunteer opportunities, or to donate, visit online at mealsonwheelsofsarasota.org, email info@mealsonwheelsofsarasota.org, or call 941-366-6693.