The Knoxville Community Action Committee who sponsors the Mobile Meals program put out a call to the community asking anyone with four-wheel drive vehicles to come help deliver the hot meals.
"Our regular volunteers that we rely on every day, some of them are elderly themselves and they are really not able to get out and we don't encourage them to get out in this kind of weather," said Executive Director Barbara Kelly.-
A Knox County man is being charged for the murder of his brother, according to the Knox County Sheriff's Office.More >> A Knox County man is being charged for the murder of his brother, according to the Knox County Sheriff's Office.More >> A Maryville man is dead after a fiery wreck on Saturday morning, according to a Tennessee Highway Patrol accident report.More >> A Maryville man is dead after a fiery wreck on Saturday morning, according to a Tennessee Highway Patrol accident report.More >> Leaders of Nashville's convention center already are mapping out a possible future expansion of a center that spans six downtown blocks and sits on 19 acres.More >> Leaders of Nashville's convention center already are mapping out a possible future expansion of a center that spans six downtown blocks and sits on 19 acres.More >> Witnesses described a frantic scene and close calls after an elderly driver plowed into dozens of hikers marching in a small Virginia mountain town's parade.More >> An emergency official says authorities believe the driver who plowed into dozens of hikers marching in a Virginia mountain town parade suffered from a medical condition and did not cause the crash intentionally.More >> A program to help soldiers get loans to purchase homes has gotten a permanent extension.More >> A program to help soldiers get loans to purchase homes has gotten a permanent extension.More >> First lady Michelle Obama has some advice for some Tennessee high school graduates: strike your own path in college and life and work to overcome inevitable failures with determination and grit.More >> First lady Michelle Obama has some advice for some Tennessee high school graduates: strike your own path in college and life and work to overcome inevitable failures with determination and grit.More >> Prior to Saturday's $600 million Powerball jackpot drawing, people in Knoxville were talking about how they would spend that kind of money if they were to win.More >> Prior to Saturday's $600 million Powerball jackpot drawing, people in Knoxville were talking about how they would spend that kind of money if they were to win.More >> The International Biscuit Festival made its way to Knoxville this week, wrapping up on Saturday.More >> It's one of the most delicious times of year once again, as downtown Knoxville is transformed into a biscuit-lovers paradise. The International Biscuit Festival made its way back to town this week, wrapping up on Saturday.More >> A judge has sentenced a Clarksville woman convicted of assault for pouring hot oatmeal on her husband to diversion.More >> A judge has sentenced a Clarksville woman convicted of assault for pouring hot oatmeal on her husband to diversion.More >> U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander says the Tennessee Valley Authority will help keep a federal fish hatchery in East Tennessee stay open for at least three more years.More >> U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander says the Tennessee Valley Authority will help keep a federal fish hatchery in East Tennessee stay open for at least three more years.More >>
By DREW GARDNER
6 News Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - The snow and ice put hundreds of homebound seniors in jeopardy of not getting their daily hot meals.
Many of Mobile Meals' regular drivers were unable to make deliveries because of the extreme winter weather.
Delivering meals to more than 700 seniors is challenging under normal circumstances. Add in inches of snow and ice and its nearly impossible.
The Knoxville Community Action Committee who sponsors the Mobile Meals program put out a call to the community asking anyone with four-wheel drive vehicles to come help deliver the hot meals.
"Our regular volunteers that we rely on every day, some of them are elderly themselves and they are really not able to get out and we don't encourage them to get out in this kind of weather," said Executive Director Barbara Kelly.
But Kelly says it's more than just a hot meal. It's a daily safety check many of the seniors otherwise wouldn't get.
"The safety check is important on every day, but it's particularly important if we may find someone whose power is off or they've run out of fuel or something like that," said Kelly.
Former volunteer Eddie Clark heard the call for volunteers and decided to head down. He says he was off of work already due to weather and was happy to come pitch in.
"It makes me feel really good inside that I can help others," said Clark. "I'm capable of doing it so I'll just get out and help all I can. If they need other things, I can run to the store for them or whatever they want."
It's that kind of support that Kelly says is so important in times like these.
"It's a lifesaver for some people and it's really important that the community supports these efforts," added Kelly.
Clark wasn't the only one to answer the call. Dozens of others showed up and Mobile Meals managed to get all of the meals out to those who needed them
If you would like to volunteer for Mobile Meals or would like to find out more information how you can help out when the snow falls just call their office at 865-524-2786.
