Charlotte County Meals on Wheels is a volunteer agency which serves between 50 and 60 clients in the county. Most clients are either frail due to age or mentally or physically handicapped. Short-term services are also available for those recuperating from a hospital stay or illness. Three hot meals a week are delivered by volunteer drivers and, in addition, two frozen meals are included.  Based on ability to pay, clients may pay 50 cents to $3.90 per meal.

Drivers for Meals on Wheels are all volunteers who serve without pay. Drivers and substitute drivers are always needed. This week we meet two drivers who faithfully deliver meals. First is Peggy Redmond who has lived in Charlotte County her entire life. Redmond says, “After retiring from teaching elementary school in the county, I was looking for a way to give back to the community I love.” Upon learning of the need for drivers, she volunteered and has been driving for about a year. She says, “I enjoy the smiles and conversations with the clients. Sometimes I’m the only person they see that day.  My route is about 60 miles, covering  Scuffletown, Aspen and Phenix areas.”

Another volunteer, Carlton Vaughan, was also raised in Charlotte County. He and his wife raised four girls and five boys, and he does mechanic work and inspections for McCoy Franklin. It was from Franklin, who had been a driver, that he learned about driving for Meals on Wheels. He has been driving four years, two or three times weekly. Vaughan states, “I enjoy driving because I love to help people and giving something back, because God has given me so much.” Mostly he enjoys the smiles from his people and the knowledge that they are getting food. His 10-15 mile route covers Charlotte Court House and Cullen areas.

Donations are always needed to keep up this worthwhile work. On Sunday, Oct. 4, Meals on Wheels is holding its third annual Benefit Bluegrass Concert beginning at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10, with under 6 free. Come out and support these hard-working and dedicated volunteers of our country.