Lynchburg’s Meals on Wheels short on donations

By Carrie J. Sidener

Published: November 21, 2008

The economic downturn has left a Lynchburg nonprofit scrambling to make up for a $15,000 shortfall in donations.

Lynchburg’s Meals on Wheels program is struggling to raise enough money by year’s end to keep delivering meals to 250 elderly and shut-ins, said Lisa Schafer, executive director.

Despite the problems, the traditional Thanksgiving meal will be delivered next week.

Meals on Wheels provides the elderly and shut-ins with one balanced hot meal for five days each week. The program is designed for those who can’t cook for themselves and are not able to leave their homes.

The program also serves to check in on those who live alone and report any changes in their health.

Schafer said while the number of donations from individuals has remained the same as previous years, those donations are significantly less than before.

She said individual donations averaged $25 last year, but this year, the average is only $5 to $10.

“Donations are down,” she said. “By the end of the year, we will have trouble making ends meet. It’s not that people don’t want to support us, but they are cutting back.”

The program’s annual budget is around $400,000. Schafer said the nonprofit, which depends on a variety of sources of support, is looking at ways to increase its fundraising.

Churches have been particularly faithful donors, and the United Way provides 14 percent of the organization’s budget.

Schafer said most of those who receive Meals on Wheels are making a choice between paying for their medications or their rent. If the program can’t make up the shortfall, those people may have to add paying for meals into the mix.

Volunteers are also needed to deliver the meals.

“We are hoping the community will continue to give,” Schafer said. “Cut back on your spending but not your giving. We really need it.”

For more information or to help, call Lynchburg’s Meals on Wheels program at (434) 847-0796.