By Cara Pattison
Contributing Writer
To celebrate Yukon Mobile Meals’ 48th anniversary of feeding Yukon residents, the organization treated their beloved volunteers to their own special meal on June 27.
“Mobile Meals began in June of 1975 by serving nine individuals, and today the program serves an average of 120 individuals a noon home delivered-meal five days per week,” Program Director Joanne Oltmanns said.
“Currently, there are over 60 active volunteers. Volunteers are the heart of this program, and what better way to celebrate our 48th anniversary by feeding them?”
After dining on a meal of hamburgers, followed by cake and ice cream, Oltmanns took the moment to celebrate Yukon Mobile Meals’ Volunteers of the Year.
This year’s chosen recipients of Volunteer of the Year for the organization were Dennis and Maureen Greer, Casey Barnett and Christine Russell.
A married couple, Dennis and Maureen Greer have been dedicated volunteers to Yukon Mobile Meals since 2012.
They deliver meals each Wednesday, along with smiles and encouragement to the recipients, Oltmanns added.
“They have provided countless humble acts of kindness and have formed multiple friendships with the recipients,” she said. “Their commitment to the program is very much appreciated.”
For their service, the Greers received an engraved cutting board from Mobile Meals.
A well-known fixture of the Yukon community, Casey Barnett has been the volunteer secretary of Yukon Mobile Meals Board of Directors for a number of years.
Barnett also provides help with brochures, posters, t-shirt designs, newsletters, and publicity.
“One of the things she does that has made her such a familiar face within the Mobile Meals circles is calling BINGO at our monthly fundraiser without fail,” Oltmanns said.
“She has also helped in the kitchen and delivered a route when we were shorthanded. We certainly appreciate her dedication.”
Chris Russell is a member of the Yukon Mobile Meals Board of Directors. She is also a volunteer kitchen helper and driver that helps-out wherever needed.
In addition, Russell covers the office duties when needed and takes care of concessions during the monthly Mobile Meals fundraiser.
“She brings a positive attitude to everything she does. We could not do without her commitment to serve,” Oltmanns said.
As a thank-you gift, Barnett and Russell received a tumbler with the Mobile Meals logo and a gift card to HTeaO.
NAMES ENGRAVED
All four of the honored volunteers will have their names engraved on the volunteer plaque located outside the Mobile Meals administration office in the southeast corner of the Dale Robertson Center, 1200 Lakeshore.
Yukon Mobile Meals started in 1975 to feed elderly, disabled and convalescing “homebound” Yukon residents unable to prepare their owns meals. The mission continues today.
Learn more about Yukon Mobile Meals by calling (405) 350-5900 or emailing mobilemeals@yukonok.gov.
