The center's director, Al Gunter, promises a lot of tasty pies will be served at the event and that the United Way of Eastern Kentucky will see to it that all funds generated by the social go towards the center's Meals on Wheels Program. Brown Food Service and U.S. Foods will be donating pies for the event this year as they have done in the past.
Gunter said that the Meals on Wheels Program is vital for the area and depends on the annual event to stay in shape. said,
"For many seniors, it is also a social interaction to look forward to, and for too many it is the only meal they get on a daily basis and must be stretched to cover breakfast, lunch and dinner," said United Way Executive Director Pamela Compton.
Gunter agreed, saying, "If we ever lost the center it would be a shame, but the Meals program would have to come first because many depend on it. It's the most important thing we do."
Gunter noted that it is always hard times for many and blamed rising gas prices which have impacted the Wheels effort which only receives 54 cents from the government for every meal served. Gunter cited Prestonsburg Mayor Jerry Fannin as one of the stabilizing influences on the center, saying, "He got us our vehicle for delivering meals and made sure it got all of its tags as well as keeping it fueled up."
Gunter also had praise for the District Judges James Allen and Eric Hall, who have made efforts to send people to the center for community service.
"We got our current cook from Judge Hall and he is a fine young man who always does a good job," Gunter said.
The city also gave the center its building, which often sees up to 17 seniors a day taking advantage of the services and companionship that they provide.
Post a Comment
