Meals-on-Wheels: “A Family Affair”

Annie, daughter, Adell & great, great-grandaughter

“Meals-on-Wheels has been such a blessing to our family,” said Adell Rejcek, one of the four daughters of Annie Martinek, a 100 year-old Meals-on-Wheels recipient. She is just one of the 675 people Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties serves everyday, and like many, Annie has had long life surrounded by many family and friends. In a recent interview, Annie, and her daughter shared their story.

Annie, an Ennis native, has seen more in her lifetime, then most of us can imagine. Born in 1907 to two Czech immigrants has witnessed the invention of the telephone, cars, computers, and sending a man into space. Annie and her family have lived in the same area their entire lives. Annie worked hard raising her 7 children, and tending to the farm. In addition, she is well-known for the wedding cakes she made for the many brides in Ennis. “Oh my, I think have made hundreds of cakes, and I even made my own!” Annie said, smiling.

Like many, Annie has had a busy life, raising her family and working hard, but now cannot get around as much as she used to. “Meals-on-Wheels has been great for me and my family. The meals are good, and it helps me be a little more independent,” she added.

It is obvious the impact that Meals-on-Wheels has had on one person’s life, but it has helped Annie’s family better care for her. “We used to have to come and check on mom six to seven times during the day,” said Adell. “Now, we still check on her, but don’t worry about what she is eating.”

Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties delivers noontime meals Monday through Friday in most of the communities served. Meals-on-Wheels is a dual-county program covering over 1,700 square miles. The meals are delivered by caring volunteers with convenient “pick-up points.” “A route takes no more than an hour to deliver, and provides the daily contact for those we serve,” said Jackson. “We continue to need volunteers to help get meals delivered, as well as local monies to support our organization,” she added.

During the month of March Meals-on-Wheels of Johnson and Ellis Counties along with other meal programs nationwide, participate in the March for Meals Campaign. This year’s slogan is “So No Senior Goes Hungry.” The Campaign has three primary goals: (1) raise awareness of senior hunger, (2) recruit new volunteers to help address the issue, and (3) raise needed funds to be used at the local level. Meals-on-Wheels is promoting the local program through media outlets, “Mayors and Members for Meals”, and a BBQ Benefit.

“Mayors and Members for Meals” is scheduled for March 19 with twenty-five local mayors, Representatives Jim Pitts and Rob Orr, as well as Congressmen Joe Barton and Chet Edwards delivering meals in their respective communities. The BBQ Benefit will be held on March 29 at the Loma Linda Events Pavilion in Rockett with a BBQ dinner, live entertainment, and an auction to raise monies for the program.

“We encourage anyone who would like to help in ending senior hunger, to get involved anyway that you can; whether that be through volunteering, donating, or telling others about our services,” commented Jackson.

Meals-on-Wheels is a community-based, non-profit organization serving the homebound elderly and disabled residents throughout Johnson and Ellis Counties. For more information about the BBQ benefit, volunteering, or services, please contact the Meals-on-Wheels office at 817-558-2840, 972-351-9943, or on the web at www.servingthechildrenofyesterday.org.