DOWNEY - Downey Meals on Wheels, which closed Sept. 15 amid declining membership and dwindling reserves, has been revived and is now operating out of Downey First Christian Church.The organization, which now operates under new leadership, including president Robin Y. Smith, delivered its first meal Nov. 1. "Since meals are what we provide, our food provider was our first concern," Smith said. "Not only were we looking for an attractive, delicious hot meal, but since our service also includes a cold meal for later in the evening, we needed to find a provider who could supply both." Downey Meals on Wheels contracted with Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital, which also provides dinners to the Meals on Wheels program in Whittier. In October, Downey Meals on Wheels mailed out 4,500 brochures to local senior citizens to inform them of the program's revival. The organization started with 14 clients on Nov. 1 but the number climbed to 23 during the first week of business. In addition to Smith, Downey Meals on Wheels is also led by vice president Bernie Lewis, secretary Carrie Ridley and treasurer and office manager Greg Lazzeroni. For more information on signing up for meal service, or to volunteer, call (562) 622-5636.

********** Published: November 11, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 30