BALDWINSVILLE — What started in someone’s kitchen feeding a handful of hungry seniors in 1971 has blossomed over five decades into a five-days-a-week operation serving more than 100 of the greater Baldwinsville area’s most vulnerable residents: Baldwinsville Meals on Wheels is celebrating its golden anniversary with an invitation-only gala on Sept. 25.
BMOW’s 100-plus volunteers will gather with local elected officials, the BMOW board of trustees, Director Donna Metz and Cook Jeff Ballard at the kitchen they’ve called home for 40-plus years. Baldwinsville Meals on Wheels began leasing space at Canton Woods Senior Center in 1980.
“It’s just an opportunity to celebrate with our community,” said BMOW board member Treyonne Baldwin. “We really, really appreciate the ongoing support over the years. [This anniversary] wouldn’t exist without community support.”
While COVID forced the cancellation of fundraisers such as the Dress to Impress fashion show and Jordan-Elbridge Lions Club Father’s Day breakfast last year, BMOW is slowly getting back to holding fundraisers and community events. The organization held virtual bingo to buy new kitchen knives and other necessary equipment.
“We had to get creative during COVID times, so Zoom bingo it was,” Baldwin said.
To raise money for the anniversary gala, BMOW held a drive-thru pulled pork dinner last month.
Metz said BMOW sold 130 dinners in two hours.
“People loved it,” she said. “We’re ready for another one.”
The pandemic put a strain on the already tight operation at BMOW — Metz and Ballard are the only paid staff members — but the organization persevered. Metz said BMOW continued to deliver a week’s worth of hot and cold meals to its 112 clients five days a week, and BMOW is preparing frozen meals for the Town of Clay Senior Center as well.
“There was some increase in need as well — more clients applying, people needing shelf-stable items,” Baldwin said.
“Everyone needed toilet paper, laundry soap, supplies like that,” Metz added.
With the help of the Baldwinsville Volunteer Center, Baldwinsville Helping Baldwinsville and other local service groups, BMOW was able to provide its clients with household essentials. Area businesses and residents made generous donations as well.
“Members of the community just came in and dropped off stuff,” Baldwin said. “We have a wonderful community, family and businesses. We are a very supported organization.”
Local scout troops have pitched in as well. Eagle Scouts have remodeled the BMOW office and built a roof to shelter the outdoor freezer from the elements. Baldwin got involved with BMOW when her daughter’s Girl Scout troop volunteered to decorate meal bags for clients.
“It cheers them up. I put stickers on the bags every day,” Metz added.
Metz has worked for Baldwinsville Meals on Wheels for 20 years.
“It’s my life,” she said. “I love my volunteers, and our clients are the sweetest clients.”
To support Baldwinsville Meals on Wheels, visit bvillemow.org or send a check to Baldwinsville Meals on Wheels, 76 Canton St., Baldwinsville, NY 13027. To learn more or to schedule a drop-off of shelf-stable food items, contact 315-638-2171 or [email protected].
