TULSA, Okla. — It's Christmas in January for some Tulsa seniors.
Last month, Meals on Wheels Metro Tulsa and the Tulsa and Owasso branches of the senior care company Home Instead teamed up for the "Be A Santa To A Senior" gift drive.
The public donated over a thousand items. Volunteers are now delivering those gifts along with their regular meals.
- PREVIOUS STORY >>> Meals on Wheels delivering holiday gifts to area seniors
Each gift bag came with multiple goodies — like hats, gloves, puzzle books, toiletries, and even a fuzzy blanket.
One recipient was a 100-year-old named Willie Montgomery.
The veteran seemed to take a liking to the soft blanket, nuzzling his head against it, saying, "Hmm, how about that."
Montgomery receives meals once a week — plus, some kibble for his dog, Freddie. These go a long way in helping him and his daughter, Daisetta "Daisy" Montgomery, who lives with him.
“It’s such a convenience for him to have these meals throughout the week," she said. "I’m not a great cook, and it saves me greatly.”
During the colder months, neither of them need to step foot into the freezing temperatures or walk on ice.
"I'd like to thank Meals on Wheels for being there and for me and my dad, and it— it helps my brothers too," said Daisy, "because they were all in this journey together and for helping everyone, just being there."
Willie is one of the last surviving World War Two veterans. Daisy said life hasn’t been easy for him — but all this generosity brings them some cheer.
"It is wonderful, and he’s been through a lot. He’s a tough man,” she said.
Recipient Lea Maxwell uses Meals on Wheels after a stroke left her unable to drive.
"Unfortunately, in 2016, I had a stroke, and it affected the seeing part of my brain. And so, now my vision is kinda like... It's hard to explain. It's kinda like looking through a kaleidoscope—like, I can see your face, but it's fragmented," she said.
Although she is a special education teacher by trade, the stroke took her out of the workforce for a while. Re-entering has been made difficult by finding a job without driving requirements, which doesn't make her financial situation any easier.
Meanwhile, delivery apps cost a pretty penny, especially for someone on a fixed income.
Meals on Wheels brings her multiple meals once a week.
This week, she received a few extra things courtesy of the people of Tulsa.
"I'm totally grateful for these gifts," Maxwell said. "Thank you so much."
People wanting to volunteer for Meals on Wheels Metro Tulsa can click here. Those interested in receiving meals from them can click here.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere --
- Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices.
- Sign up for daily newsletters emailed to you
- Like us on Facebook
- Follow us on Instagram
- SUBSCRIBE on YouTube
