The annual Meal on Wheels volunteer appreciation picnic was held in the Palmerton Memorial Park.

This Palmerton program has been in service since 1972. It is a nonprofit organization supported by donations from the local United Way, Horsehead Community Development Fund, local businesses and generous citizens.The meals are prepared in the kitchen of the Palmerton Campus and delivered to the clients by volunteers. Meals are delivered Monday through Friday in all-weather including holidays.The meals include a hot dinner, makings for a light lunch and a simple breakfast.Volunteer Keith Lobach of Lehighton has been with the Palmerton Meals on Wheels for four years."I just retired and l wanted to find something to help out with in the community. I was at my barber one day and she told me about Meals on Wheels. I got in touch with Doris Bray and she got me started," Lobach said.Becky Steigerwalt of Palmerton has been a volunteer for two years."I was playing bridge with some of the ladies who deliver meals and they said they needed some new blood in the organization, and I liked the sound of that so I volunteered," Steigerwalt said.Meals on Wheels has approximately 26 volunteers and 13 clients. The client list is lower than it has been in many years."I saw an ad in the paper for volunteers needed. I am retired. I had a remarkable life and I just wanted to pay it forward as they say. I got in touch with the president, Bill Gallagher, and he got me started," said Ron Nimblett of Palmerton.Most drivers serve just once a week.Meals on Wheels president is Bill Gallagher, vice president is Becky Steigerwalt, secretary is Marge Porambo and treasurer is Frank Mullane.Karl Kuntzman has been a volunteer for nine years. Before he retired he always knew he wanted to give back to the community. He spoke with volunteer driver Carol Papay and she helped him get in involved with the program.The food for the annual picnic was prepared by the Palmerton Campus cafeteria and was enjoyed by the volunteers and their spouses.For more information on how to become a client or become a volunteer for the Meals on Wheels program, contact Roger Bowman at the Palmerton Hospital campus 610-826-1163.