Appreciation was given to volunteers of Meals on Wheels of Palmerton organization on Wednesday.

The annual luncheon was held at Palmerton Memorial Park Pavilion. The day served as an opportunity for volunteers consisting of drivers and board members to reflect on their time serving the community.

“This is what we give our volunteers because they don’t want anything else,” Bill Gallagher, president of Meals on Wheels of Palmerton said.

The volunteers, majority of them elderly, travel to homes of residents who are unable to buy groceries or cook for themselves. Meals on Wheels is more than a food delivery service, it’s a daily wellness check. Volunteers develop relationships with the clients, but they also ensure the clients are living in a safe and healthy environment.

“Volunteers love the smiles and the gratitude of the people they deliver to,” Gallagher said.

Meals on Wheels of Palmerton became an independent organization in 1972. All the funding is provided through donations by the public. The organization has administration costs, certain bylaws, and all drivers have insurance.

John Nespoli, president of St. Luke’s Gnaden Huetten and Palmerton campuses spoke to the volunteers.

“This is a terrific service about relationships, and tackle the loneliness people feel when they get older,” Nespoli said.

Food delivery occurs Monday to Friday and holidays. In case of icy conditions, deliveries do not occur, and clients are provided with emergency bags containing nonperishable food items.

Drivers travel mainly throughout Palmerton, but also parts of Aquashicola and Bowmanstown.

To become a volunteer, visit www.mealsonwheelsofpalmerton.com.