More than 80 volunteers helped Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services deliver thanksgiving dinners on November 25. Among those helping out were (front row, L to R): Cora Smilack, Katryna Hadley, Susan Goldin, Eda Kosma, Julie Constantine, Viet Van, and Lindsey Smilack; (back row L to R): Bob LaPointe, Lyn Hardy, and Daniel Morrissey; (on stairs) SCES Nutrition Director is Meghan Ostrander.

More than 80 volunteers converged at Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) on Thanksgiving morning to help deliver 535 holiday meals.

SCES delivers a Thanksgiving meal – with turkey, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and pumpkin pie – to local older adults who want one each year. The program typically gets around 320 requests, but had 550 requests last year, said SCES Nutrition Director Meghan Ostrander.

“The need has increased significantly the past couple of years and I think a lot of that has to do with people choosing to stay home, instead of visiting with friends or family,” said Ostrander.

Thanksgiving is a day off for SCES Meals on Wheels drivers, who have been active as essential workers throughout the pandemic. SCES Director of Volunteers and Special Projects Colleen Morrissey thanked the volunteers for stepping up to help.

“This event always brings such joy, and this year was no exception,” said Morrissey. “This is always our most popular volunteer event and there’s something special about working with a large group that shares such a great common purpose. Thank you to everyone who helped make it such a success.”

To learn more about volunteer opportunities at Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services, call 617-628-2601, x3214 or e-mail to vol@eldercare.org

About Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services
Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) is a non-profit agency that supports the independence and well-being of older adults in Somerville and Cambridge. For free advice and guidance on questions of aging, caregiving or disability, contact our Aging Information Center at 617-628-2601, email info@eldercare.org, or visit our website eldercare.org.