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By Leon G. Russ
HOMETOWN NEWS
Mobile Meals celebrated its 32nd birthday by having an Oktoberfest at their headquarters on Thursday, October 1.
Mobile Meals President Joyce McQueen explained it was the tenth year they’ve held the Oktoberfest as a way of thanking their 1,700 volunteers.
Normally the volunteers are busy ranging far and wide throughout Spartanburg County transporting food to the elderly, disabled and shut-ins.
On this day the tables were turned as volunteers were treated to authentic German food and the sounds of the Foothills Oompah Band.
McQueen is happy to treat the volunteers because she said, “Volunteers are the life line. Without them there is no ministry.”
The 1,700 volunteers average between 1,900 to 1,950 meals delivered each day. McQueen said they range “from the North Carolina State line to the Enoree River.”
Frank Crocker of Boiling Springs has been delivering meals for the past 11 years. Every Tuesday he drives 55 miles in about two hours making six different deliveries to churches and restaurants that serve the meals.
On this day he took a break from the meal he was enjoying to explain why he does it.
“I enjoy it,” he said, “it makes you feel good and you run into a lot of nice people.”
He went on to note he was diagnosed with lung cancer last year and “you should have seen the cards and prayers I got” from those he delivered meals to and fellow Mobile Meals workers and drivers.
Sitting at the same table were Spartanburg’s Tim Williams and Woodruff’s Pearle Perry, both three-year Mobile Meals delivery veterans.
Williams stated he volunteers because “I need to give back.” He went on to say, “That’s why this country is so great, because of the people that give back. I just want to do my share.”
Perry echoed his sentiments and she said its something both she and her husband are able to do.
It’s easy to see that those in need are aided by the volunteers at Mobile Meals. But, Perry explained, volunteers also benefit. “We get a lot of joy out of it,” she said.
In addition to the great German food, McQueen also used the Oktoberfest to present awards to numerous volunteers.
Inman First Baptist was named the 2009 Mobile Meals Church of the Year; the 2009 Mobile Meals Helping Hands Award was presented to John Godfrey; the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Department was awarded the 2009 Corporate Service Award; the Mobile Meals Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Billy and Betty Wood; George and Dot Moore received the Mobile Meals Angel of Mercy Award; Bi-Lo was presented with the Mobile Meals Foundation of the Year Award; Dr. Matt Davis was named the Mobile Meals Board Member of the Year; and the Mobile Meals Business of the Year was presented to Precision Bearing and Machine.
While McQueen is thankful for all the volunteers, she stated she is still in need of more and she is always looking for monetary donations since Mobile Meals annual budget requires $2 million to keep making these needed food deliveries.
If you wish to volunteer your time or make a financial contribution please contact Mobile Meals at 573-7684 or visit their web site at www.mobile-meals.org.
lruss@hometown-news.com
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