Texas Health HEB Works to End Senior Hunger
with Food Drive for Metroport Meals On Wheels
BEDFORD, TEXAS, Nov. 26, 2014 – Employees, medical staff physicians and volunteers at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Hurst-Euless-Bedford recently gave cash, grocery gift cards, canned goods and their hearts to a great cause—helping end hunger and isolation among senior citizens in Tarrant County.
The hospital conducted a drive that raised $8,031 and donated almost 7,000 canned goods toMetroport Meals On Wheels (MMOW), a grassroots volunteer advocate for the elderly and those in need through home-delivered meals, senior center lunches, activity programs and other support services. Texas Health HEB employees selected MMOW as a beneficiary organization and conducted the “Food Fantasy – Ending Senior Hunger” campaign Nov. 3-14.
“We are thrilled at the generosity our Texas Health HEB family showed in supporting Metroport Meals On Wheels,” said Susann Land, M.D., the hospital’s chief medical officer. “Texas Health strongly emphasizes caring for the well-being of people in the communities we serve. We’re honored to work side-by-side with MMOW in improving seniors’ well-being through combatting hunger and isolation.”
Land and hospital president Deborah Paganelli, FACHE, presented MMOW Executive Director Mary King with a check for the cash raised on Nov. 18. King noted that the funds will help defray the cost of meals for seniors served by MMOW, which does not accept government funding.
“Texas Health HEB provides incredible support for our work on behalf of senior citizens,” said King.
Along with the food drive, the hospital has prepared meals for MMOW clients in Bedford for five years. Hospital employees such as Mary Pat Black volunteer as drivers to transport the meals to clients. Black has served on the MMOW board for 10 years and was board president for two years.
“My husband and I enjoy being able to serve,” said Black. “I’m honored to follow in the footsteps of my parents in helping provide for senior citizens.”
Texas Health HEB works with area nonprofit organizations by providing volunteer hours for community outreach events and activities. Other organizations hospital employees have chosen to support are SafeHaven Women’s Shelter; American Heart Association Tarrant County Heart Walk; and Bell Manor and Viridian elementary schools.