Cathleen Allison/Nevada Appeal Fred Dory prepares to deliver Meals on Wheels on Wednesday morning at the Dayton Senior Center. The center is participating in the nationwide movement, March for Meals, to raise money for the program.
As part of the March for Meals campaign to bring nationwide attention to the Meals on Wheels program, Lyon County commissioners helped the Dayton Senior Center deliver meals to the homebound Tuesday and Wednesday.
Commissioners Don Tibbals and Bob Milz rode with transportation driver Fred Dory to deliver a healthful meal prepared at the senior center. Tibbals delivered meals on Tuesday; Milz on Wednesday.
"I think the program is great for those who can't come into the center to get a meal," Milz said. "Or for those who cannot afford the food."
The cost to deliver a meal to a homebound senior is about $7.69. The federal government pays about 68 percent, the remainder is sought through donations.
The Dayton Senior Center delivers about 125 meals a week, or 500 month. Requested donation from the senior is $2 per meal. The seniors donate what they can.
Wednesday's meal was a taco salad with ground beef, salsa, chips, beet and onion salad, and strawberry shortcake.
Helen Epperson, 88, a Dayton resident for 27 years, receives meals on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the two days she is unable to get to the senior center.
"I never did learn how to drive," Epperson admitted. "I come in here Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the resistance exercise class.
"The class is from 10 to about 11:15 a.m. Lunch is served at 11:30 so I stay. And the meals are wonderful. I really appreciate them. The senior center is a marvelous place."
"It really is nice to have our commissioners helping out," said Sarah Brower, senior services program manager for Lyon County. "We are so appreciative they have taken the time from their tremendously busy schedules to do this. It is one way for them to see county tax dollars at work."
As a fundraiser, the Dayton Kiwanis Club is hosting a spaghetti dinner and bingo night from 4-8 p.m. Friday at the senior center. Dinner is served from 4-5:45 p.m. and costs $5 per plate. Each paying adult receives one bingo card. People must be 21 or older to play. Additional cards are available for $1 each or six for $5.
At 6 p.m. when bingo begins, free movies, popcorn and juice will be available for children in the back room. For information, call 246-6210.
• Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.
You can help
WHAT: Dayton Kiwanis Club's March for Meals Spaghetti Dinner and Bingo Night
WHEN: 4-8 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Dayton Senior Center, 320 Old Dayton Valley Road
COST: Dinner $5 per plate; bingo $1 each card or six for $5 (must be 21-older to play) Movies with free popcorn and juice for kids from 6-8 p.m.
CALL: 246-6210