The Duke Energy Foundation recently presented a check for $5000 to Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County to aid in program development and capacity for meal delivery to Hamilton County’s food insecure seniors and those unable to cook for themselves due to injury, illness or disability.
We are extremely grateful to have a corporate partner like Duke Energy,” said Beth Gehlhausen, executive director of Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County. “We continue to see a growing need for assistance within our community and are taking on new clients daily. Duke’s contribution will help us continue to have capacity to help during these uncertain times.”
During 2020, the number of clients served by Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County has increased 33 percent. Additionally, the number of clients needing assistance to pay for their meals has increased 58 percent.
“Amid COVID, we have been blessed with the grace and goodwill of the community, both time and donations,” said Gehlhausen. “In a seemingly hopeless time, our community has come together to provide hope for so many.”
Now in its 46th year, the organization is able to fulfill the client requests for hot meals, sack lunches and even frozen meals thanks to the generosity of donors and dedication of staff and volunteers. Due to safety precautions, the organization was forced to cancel its largest fundraiser of the year – an annual Dancing with Our Stars event. The event traditionally generates revenue that allows for increased meal delivery during the winter months in addition to sustaining annual operations. Given this circumstance, Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County’s need for support going into 2021 is greater than ever.
“We all have a responsibility to share in the food insecurity solution, especially given these uncertain circumstances,” said Gehlhausen. While donations of any size are appreciated, $50 provides meals for one week and $210 provides a month of meals. To donate or for more information, visit the website, https://mealsonwheelshc.org/donate/ or contact Meals on Wheels at 317-776-7159.
“We want the community to know how deeply we appreciate their help, and that we have capacity and are here to help. Individuals just need to call us or go on the website and fill out the online application,” said Gehlhausen
About Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County
Established in 1975, Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County enhances the quality of life of homebound individuals and seniors in Hamilton County by providing nutritious meals, personal interactions and independence. Meals are prepared in state-approved healthcare facilities and designed by a certified registered dietitian under a physician’s prescribed supervision according to the client’s specific dietary needs. Nearly 200 meals are delivered daily by volunteers to enable our clients remain independently living within the community in their own homes for as long as possible. For more information on receiving services or to volunteer, contact Meals on Wheels at 317-776-7159.
Duke Energy Foundation
The Duke Energy Foundation provides philanthropic support to meet the needs of communities where Duke Energy customers live and work. The Foundation contributes more than $30 million annually in charitable gifts and is funded by Duke Energy shareholder dollars.
In Indiana, the Foundation provides approximately $2 million in charitable gifts to a wide variety of nonprofit groups.
More information about the Foundation and its Powerful Communities program can be found at duke-energy.com/foundation.
Duke Energy Indiana
Duke Energy Indiana, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides about 6,600 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 840,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, making it Indiana’s largest electric supplier.
Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of the largest energy holding companies in the U.S. It employs 30,000 people and has an electric generating capacity of 51,000 megawatts through its regulated utilities, and 3,000 megawatts through its nonregulated Duke Energy Renewables unit.
Duke Energy is transforming its customers’ experience, modernizing the energy grid, generating cleaner energy and expanding natural gas infrastructure to create a smarter energy future for the people and communities it serves. The Electric Utilities and Infrastructure unit’s regulated utilities serve approximately 7.7 million retail electric customers in six states – North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. The Gas Utilities and Infrastructure unit distributes natural gas to more than 1.6 million customers in five states – North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. The Duke Energy Renewables unit operates wind and solar generation facilities across the U.S., as well as energy storage and microgrid projects.
Duke Energy was named to Fortune’s 2020 “World’s Most Admired Companies” list, and Forbes’ 2019 “America’s Best Employers” list. More information about the company is available at duke-energy.com.
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The mission of Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County, Indiana supports individuals who are elderly, disabled, chronically ill and home-bound by delivering nutritious meals, reducing hunger, improving health and promoting independence.