The Athens Community Council on Aging is wrapping up its ride along March for Meals program.
Athens Meals on Wheels joined the national program in the effort to raise awareness about the fundamental role the organization plays in supporting older adults.
Some of the notable Athenians and others participating included Mayors Kelly Girtz and Dodd Ferrell, and Harry Dawg, Eve Athnony, President and CEO of the ACCA says the Georgia mascot is particularly popular.
“Hairy Dawg, who is always a fan favorite,” according to Anthony. “Whenever Hairy Dawg rolls into people’s neighborhoods, the who neighborhood comes out to see him, and he is just such a great way for Meals on Wheels to get attention.”
His visits bring added benefits.
“For so many of older neighbors, UGA and UGA football is in their backyard, but they don’t have access to it.”
The organization serves more than 160 seniors. In addition to Meals on Wheels recipients, the ACCA also helps people on the waiting list.
“A program called Senior Staples that we do in partnership with our local food bank, serves and additional 172 people. We created that program, a monthly grocery delivery for people who are on the Wheels on Meals waiting list.”
The ACCA is planning another campaign in April aimed at eliminating the program’s wait list.
