EASLEY — On Nov. 13, Pickens County Meals on Wheels held its annual volunteer appreciation celebration. More than 175 volunteers and supporters gathered for an event designed to celebrate “everyday heroes” and the contributions they make to the program all year long.

Barbara Welmaker, Elsie Yoder and Pat Mitchell (not pictured) were presented with 20-year service pins for their generosity and loyalty to the Meals on Wheels program

The event was made possible through the support of Health Services Group; Rock Springs Baptist Church and its staff; Easley High School Jazz Band, Directed by Rick Langdale; Little Bistro Restaurant; Christy’s Cake Pops and More; Outback Steakhouse; Junior Girl Scout Troop 2831 of Easley; and Gettys Middle School Junior Beta Club and National Junior Honor Society members.

Volunteers are the foundation of the Meals on Wheels program. More than 400 volunteers deliver 310 meals each day and serve 40 members at the program’s Young at Heart Dining and Activity Center. Volunteers will contribute more than 13,000 hours of service, drive more than 82,000 miles and deliver more than 60,000 meals in 2014.

Meals on Wheels volunteers make a profound difference each day. Anthony Massengill was recognized with the Lifesaver Award. While conducting his regular delivery, he went the extra mile when he found one of his clients in harm’s way and in need of 911 services. Volunteers Barbara Welmaker, Elsie Yoder and Pat Mitchell, who was unable to attend, were presented with 20-year service pins to honor their

PCMOW executive director Meta Bowers presents Anthony Massengill with the Life Saver Award.

generosity and loyalty to the Meals on Wheels program.

“In this life we have our basic needs: food, shelter, clothing and housing,” PCMOW director Meta Bowers said. “But if we look beyond that, what all of us want is to feel valued and appreciated. Your contributions of kindness and love are remarkable. I appreciate what each of you contributes to this program.”

Pickens County Meals on Wheels, a 501(c) (3) charitable organization that is supported through special events, grants and donations from individuals, churches, church groups, businesses, civic organizations, schools and the United Way. Weekly volunteer orientation sessions are held at the Meals on Wheels office (704 S. Pendleton St. Easley) each Thursday at 9:30 a.m.

For more information, visit the Pickens County Meals on Wheels website at www.pcmow.org or call Bowers at (864) 855-3770, Ext. 303.