KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee's Office on Aging in Knoxville estimates there are more seniors living alone in Knox County compared to last year, and many are in need of some Christmas cheer this year.
That is why more than 150 volunteers in East Tennessee set out in the rain on Christmas morning to deliver good food, gifts, and some warm holiday greetings. Among them were Tamra Ray and her husband, David Maet.
"I knew how important the senior nutrition part of Mobile Meals was," Ray said. "But I did not quite grasp the social connections and the total wellness of how important it is for people just to be face to face with people."
Those social connections are what have kept her volunteering month after month, even on Christmas.
"Why would I not want to see them on Christmas?" she said. "And listen to their day, show some love and care for them in the holidays."
This Christmas was particularly special because she got to deliver a hot meal and a gift to her friend, Mildred.
"She is a firecracker," Ray said. "We have developed a great little friendship."
Mildred is 96 years old and lives by herself. Even though it may seem like a rare case, she is just one of more than 700 seniors living by themselves this Christmas season. That is why Judith Pelot with the CAC said they need all of the volunteers they can get.
"So, if it was left to just me and our staff here to get all the meals out and to make sure that everyone was fed today we would be trying to get to people by midnight tonight," she said.
The CAC points out there are more than 103,000 older adults in Knox County, with one in ten living below the poverty line. This year, the group almost doubled the number of new volunteers to help meet that increased need.
If you are interested in volunteering with Mobile Meals, click here.