A Growing Need

In a mostly empty parking lot in front of Taylors First Baptist Church, a small group gathered to take part in a daily occurrence that is anything but routine for those it affects - it's life-sustaining. 

Meals On Wheels of Greenville County, which provides food to more than 1,300 homebound people across the county without benefitting from government funding, operates delivery routes in Taylors everyday. Overall, the Taylors route provides some 200 deliveries each week to the community. 

Leslie Farmer, director of marketing and communications for Meals On Wheels of Greenville County, said the need for delivered meals continues to grow, adding an average of 66 new clients each month. That growing need is tempered somewhat by discontinued services for various reasons, including improved health, the need to go to assisted living facilities and death. 

"Our ability to feed more clients is directly related to our ability to recruit new volunteers," Farmer said. "With an aging population and an increase in the number of clients we serve in outlying areas, we need more volunteers to ensure that we can meet the demand. Meals on Wheels serves clients throughout Greenville County, including Simpsonville, Travelers Rest, Fountain Inn, Ware Place and Mauldin, and as we continue to serve more clients in these areas, we need more volunteers to help deliver the meals."

Dawn Sincavage, a volunteer, has been taking her two children to deliver food for the last three months. As she and her 6-year-old son, Luke and 4-year-old daughter, Tess packed their van for Thursday's delivery, she explained the appeal of participating in the program. 

"We do it to minister to others, and to get the kids involved," Sincavage said. "We homeschool, so we thought this was a good way to get them involved.

"They love it. They get excited every Thursday." 

It's not a difficult process, Sincavage said, with most routes only taking roughly an hour. 

"It's fun going to homes and getting to see people," said Luke Sincavage, 6. 

"Once you learn the routes, you can knock 10 or 15 minutes off of your time," said Geoff Duncan, delivery driver. 

Meals on Wheels hosts a volunteer orientation every Thursday morning at 9:30 where community members can learn more about volunteering with the program. 

"Volunteers of all ages are welcome at Meals on Wheels, from parents with small children to our very own 106-year-old Thelma Richey, who delivers a route every Friday with her son," Farmer said. 

Meals on Wheels relies solely on donations and fundraising. The Sweetheart Ball, held in February each year, is a black-tie event, and in April, the organization hosts Wheels for Meals, a cycling event where riders of all expertise and skill can choose from a 25-mile, 40-mile or Metric Century ride. The Fall Classic golf tournament is held in October, where players are treated to a day on two of Greenville’s premiere golf courses. 

Those interested in volunteering for the Meals On Wheels program can contact the organization at (864) 233-6565.