Dear Friends of Meals on Wheels of Durham:

It is an honor and an incredible responsibility to serve as the Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of Durham.

Let me begin by saying that, with the baby-boomer generation approaching retirement age, and with the advent of new medicines and technologies, it is a fact that our communities are getting older and the amount of time all of us can expect to spend in our super-senior years is getting longer.

And, for hundreds of thousands house-bound seniors around the country, they are staying in their own homes, staying more independent because of Meals on Wheels. First, our volunteers deliver a nutritious, hot lunch for every homebound senior on our list. Second, our volunteers are often the only human contact many of our homebound seniors have for many days. This means our homebound seniors have the security of knowing that someone will check on them each weekday, which is just enough – as a neighbor or family member can check-in on weekends.

We say that Meals on Wheels enhances the quality of life for home-bound seniors, but for many, Meals on Wheels are a vital component to making independent living possible at all. I may be biased, but -- to me -- the Meals on Wheels program is one of the finest traditions of America.

With extended families fragmenting, Meals on Wheels provides a sense of generational support. By supporting Meals on Wheels, Volunteers and Donors become part of that support. And without question -- by their very nature -- every volunteer is an extended neighbor of the people we serve.

One thing more, by helping Meals on Wheels, you continue an American tradition. A tradition of younger generations caring for the aging generation and until the challenge confronts someone we love; most of us may not fully understand how important it is for seniors that they be allowed to age in their homes, with dignity and security.

Our goal for 2008 is to continue to strive for the goal that everyone in the Durham area that needs a quality meal and a human touch every day gets that help.

And, it’s my job to make sure that those who so desperately need our support to remain independent to get that support. I hope that you will join us in whatever way suits you – by giving, volunteer or allowing us to be a guest speaker at your next event – and remember, I can assure you that with your help - Together, We can make a difference in Durham.

Sincerely,

Christopher