NYC Volunteers Help Deliver Meals

A number of volunteers in New York City want to ensure the elderly will not be forgotten over the holiday. 

The organization Citymeals-on-Wheels made a stop in the City Island section in the Bronx on Friday.  These efforts are aimed to help homebound seniors stock up on food over the long weekend.  Helpers went door-to-door to hand out special meal boxes for residents over the age of 60. 

The non-profit was found in 1981, and works to raise private funds to prepare and deliver weekend and holiday meals to seniors across all five boroughs.  The group's Executive Director Beth Shapiro said these seniors rely on this service.

"These are people who many of them helped build this city and they shouldn't be forgotten," said Shapiro.  "And because of their frailty and their age, they're not out of their apartments."

New York City City Council member James Vacca also joined delivery efforts. 

"Every year, it is important that we find ways to celebrate the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr.," said Vacca.  "He spent his entire life fighting for and helping others and in honor of his commitment and dedication, I am pleased to partner with Citymeals-on-Wheels to help deliver vital meals to homebound seniors.  Many meal centers are closed for the holiday so it is vital these seniors receive enough food to last for three days"

In total, volunteers helped hand out 14,214 meal boxes for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.