Meals on Wheels Rolls out Fall Fundraiser in CV

Cold weather and fallen leaves are rolling in as we enter autumn, and Bay Area-based nonprofit SOS (Service Opportunity for Seniors) Meals on Wheels is also rolling into the new season with a fall fundraiser in Castro Valley this weekend.

Meals on Wheels is a volunteer-run program that cooks and delivers fresh, healthy, and tasty home-cooked meals to Bay Area senior citizens who are homebound.

As the cost of living and food rises every day, finances are harder to come by, especially for a volunteer-run organization. So, SOS Meals on Wheels is throwing an Inaugural Fall Barbeque Fundraiser: Rhinestones and Milestones this Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 5 pm to 8 pm at the XO Historic Ranch on 9635 Dublin Canyon Road in Castro Valley.

At the event, Nate Miley, Alameda County Supervisor for District 4 President of the Board of Supervisors, will be the guest of honor for his many years of service in honor of seniors, making elderly care his top priority as county supervisor and as the United Seniors of Oakland and Alameda County President.

Executive Director of SOS Meals on Wheels, Charlie Deterline, shared that the program currently delivers “500,000 meals per year” by paid drivers and volunteers.

“It runs 3 to 7 days per week, and almost 72 routes go out daily,” says Deterline.

At the fundraiser, Deterline says there will be “barbeque sandwiches, a massive charcuterie spread, wine and whiskey, and live music including Blues, Soul, and R&B bands playing the event. Tickets are $130 and are tax deductible.

SOS Meals on Wheels has been operating in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 60 years, making San Leandro their home base as of 2013. Not only do volunteers deliver the food, but they also spend time with the elderly people, as they often are lonely, and human interaction with someone who comes to deliver their meals regularly can be the most exciting part of their day.

At first, Meals on Wheels was limited to a smaller area than it is now, but now they are the primary provider to serve senior citizens who apply for the program in various cities, including San Leandro, Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, and surrounding areas.

Deterline got some feedback from some of the volunteers, and he said that “Every single person mentioned how much they get out of it. Delivering meals, developing friendships, and knowing there is someone excited to see you help with the doldrums of daily life”.

“When program recipients have multiple people happy to see them, you can see their health and quality of life improve,” said Deterline.

SOS Meals on Wheels is always looking for potential volunteers to help with driving and cooking, so each volunteer has more time to spend with seniors.

More details on the Rhinestones & Milestones Fundraiser event and volunteer and donation information can be found on their website (sosmow.org).