- April 25, 2024
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Albert "Chick" Laggini, Daytona Tortugas mascot Sheldon and Jackie Jackson. Photo by Abbie Pace
COA Dining Site Coordinator Kathy Ingaharro, Daytona Tortugas Community Relation Manager Rachel Morton, Daytona Tortugas mascot Sheldon, COA Community Engagement Liaison Doreen Willett and COA Dining Site Coordinator Dawnmarie Mullins. Photo by Abbie Pace
The Daytona Tortugas mascot, Sheldon. Photo courtesy of Doreen Willett
Daytona Tortugas mascot Sheldon and Albert "Chick" Laggini. Photo courtesy of Doreen Willett
With March being designated as National Nutrition Month, the Council on Aging of Volusia County celebrated by including local celebrities in its meal deliveries for its Meals on Wheels program.
The celebrities included Volusia County Sheriff Michael Chitwood, Deltona Mayor Santiago Avila and Sheldon, mascot of the Daytona Tortugas, who joined COA’s Meals on Wheels drivers for special deliveries to clients across the county, according to a press release.
In Ormond Beach, Sheldon visited the Ormond Beach Senior Center on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 21 and 22. On Thursday, March 23, City Commissioner Lori Tolland assisted in the meal deliveries.
At the senior center, Sheldon interacted with the Meals on Wheels clients. Laughter filled the room as Sheldon displayed his playful demeanor. Oftentimes, these meal deliveries are the only source of interaction for some seniors in the county, according to the COA.
“I know that vulnerable seniors who have lived their lives and live full lives are in the position now where they need some help,” said Doreen Willett, Council on Aging of Volusia County community engagement liaison.
COA reports that 94% of Meals on Wheels clients currently live below the poverty line. One in four seniors live alone. Their food needs are often left unfulfilled, Willett said.
“A good amount of [seniors] don't have family living in the area or they have family that only come to visit a certain amount of time, because they work,” Willett said.
Beginning in 1967, the nonprofit organization Council on Aging of Volusia County has assisted the local elderly population by providing activities at senior centers, in-home care and helping them with light chore services, in addition to its Meals on Wheels program, which provides nutritious meal deliveries and care to local, vulnerable senior citizens.
Willett reflected on the rewarding moments experienced through deliveries.
“There's so many very organic moments and seeing people's smiles who might not necessarily have a lot to smile about makes a big difference," she said.
The Volusia County Meals on Wheels team is composed of over 300 trained volunteers to execute deliveries.
Visit coavolusia.org.
