Dalton Elementary supports our seniors

By DEVIN WEEKS

Staff Writer

DALTON GARDENS— North Idaho's oldest citizens are being looked out for by some of its youngest.

During the last all-school assembly of the school year, representatives of the Dalton Elementary Kids Corps leadership council presented Lake City Center administrative director Bob Small with a check for $1,740.20 to support the center's Meals on Wheels program.

A smiling Small said he used to wonder if young people today really care about our seniors.

“This is like bridging the generation gap, and it’s a pleasure to be here,” he said Friday morning. The generous gift "renews my faith in the kids."

Third-grader Evan Martinez, a Kids Corps member, knows how Meals on Wheels can make a world of difference for home-bound and disabled seniors. He said his grandfather was in a car wreck a couple years ago and was a recipient of the program’s meals.

"He broke a lot of his bones," Evan said. "When he got sent home from the hospital, he was still recovering from sprains and stuff. He had to just lie in bed, so they had to bring him some meals."

He was thankful Meals on Wheels volunteers took care of his grandpa.

"It made me really happy because he couldn’t cook or do anything," he said.

Meals on Wheels is a nonprofit, volunteer-run meal service that delivers nutritious food to seniors in their homes. It has been available for North Idaho's seniors for more than 31 years at a low suggested donation so anyone 60 and older can receive help, despite an inability to pay.

Kids Corps hosts a fundraiser each fall and spring to help a cause in the community. This spring, Meals on Wheels came up as the kids brainstormed who their next recipient would be. The kids held a sweets and treats baking competition followed by a spring social. All funds for meals that evening went into the Meals on Wheels collection.

“I think it’s great because people who can’t make their own food or go get it, they can’t really eat if there weren’t Meals on Wheels,” said third-grader and Kids Corps member Liam Alderman.

“It feels good being able to help people who can’t buy their own food or go to get it,” Kids Corps member and fourth-grader Collin Brunn said.

Dalton School counselor and Kids Corps adviser Tami Frantzich said she continued to be amazed by members of the Dalton Elementary community and their willingness to give.

“I see our fundraisers as not only an opportunity to raise money but to educate kids on programs like Meals on Wheels," she said.

Evan had one more thing to add.

"Meals on Wheels is changing people’s lives one heart at a time," he said.

Meals on Wheels helps disabled and homebound seniors 60 and older. For information, contact Lake City Center Meals on Wheels coordinator Cathy South at 208-667-4628.