LIBERTY — A group from Six Mile, informally known as the “Grumpy Old Men,” is stepping up to the plate to help Pickens County Meals on Wheels raise the necessary funds to purchase the small wares (new pots, pans, and all essential utensils) needed to furnish its new kitchen facility in Liberty.

Over the past 35 years, Meals on Wheels has touched the lives of thousands of donors, volunteers, clients and families. Today, the reach and impact continues to expand throughout Pickens County. The senior population will double by 2030, and the need for Meals on Wheels is growing at an unprecedented rate.

With a goal of $7,500, donations to this effort are critical to helping the organization establish the first and only Meals on Wheels kitchen in Pickens County. Contributions now will help enable the organization to serve our elderly and disabled neighbors for many years to come. A plaque commemorating the names of donors to the project will be placed in the new kitchen.

“Don’t let the name fool you,” PCMOW executive director Meta Bowers said. “The Grumpy Old Men have hearts of gold. We are grateful for their pledge to assist in the necessary expense for these items.”

Notable members who will be helping with the project are mayor Roy Stoddard of Six Mile, Rep. Gary Clary, former Rep. B.R. Skelton, James Atkinson, Ken Ellison, Jimmy Hayes, B.J. Skelton, Wilt Stephens, “Dude” McAbee, Steve Howard, Ron Willis, Eddie Durham, Tony Ellison, Ray Longnecker, Mac Bradshaw, Bud Alexander, Jimmy Hicks, Heuston Merck, Tom Smith and Carl Whitaker. John Wade, a PCMOW board member, will chair the campaign.

Meals on Wheels began refurbishing the former Liberty Middle School kitchen and cafeteria in January. According to Bowers, renovations are scheduled to be complete mid-June, and the organization anticipates producing its own meals starting in July. Named the McKissick Center for Senior Wellness, the new facility will be the home for the newly established PCMOW kitchen, its home-delivered meal program, the Young at Heart dining and activity center and minor home repair program.

According to Wade, plans for fundraising events are in process. Individuals, churches, and service clubs will be the key donors. Donations are tax-deductible and will strengthen PCMOW’s efforts and ensure our community forever remains a place where seniors can age with the dignity they deserve.

Founded in 1980, Pickens County Meals on Wheels is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that exists to combat the effects of hunger, loneliness and isolation on those living in Pickens County and provide a lifeline through the use of caring volunteers. Both home delivered meals and the Young at Heart dining and activity programs are about more than the meal. These services are crucial to helping people maintain their nutritional health, feel connected in the community and continue living safely in their own homes. For many seniors, this is the only social contact they may have in a day. These services are a vital part of fighting isolation and helping older adults remain active and healthy. Community-based programs like Meals on Wheels provide are a cost-effective way of helping people “Age in Place.”

To find out more about Meals on Wheels and the importance of the work it does in Pickens County, visit pcmow.org, call 855-3770 ext. 303 or email info@pcmow.org.