Fleeting hunger

Anonymous donor-funded delivery fleet takes to the street

One donor is driving change for our home-delivered meals and the hundreds of local seniors served by Copper Shores Meals on Wheels. Thanks to a generous gift of $30,762 from an anonymous local donor, the program now has a small, but mighty fleet of delivery vehicles. This donation made it possible to purchase three vehicles, giving delivery drivers year-round access to safe, reliable transportation as they serve a growing number of seniors across the community.

Behind the donation is a deep understanding and appreciation for the power of connection and home-delivered meals. The donor was inspired to make their donation after following the program’s work within the community, knowing firsthand the impact that home-delivered meals can have on an individual and the loved ones who care for them. With the donor’s trust to spend funding as needed for the Meals on Wheels program, Copper Shores purchased three gently used Ford Escapes in Houghton. These vehicles not only provide transportation, but opportunities for growth and increased awareness amongst community members.

“As we're looking to expand into the rest of Houghton County, donations like this help us meet our larger goals by solving multiple challenges at once,” said Mandy Lounibos, donor relations specialist.

Meeting those goals has been difficult due to the challenges that come with living in a rural area, especially during the harsh winters. Prior to having the fleet, all drivers made deliveries using their personal vehicles, wearing them down as they traverse roads with ice, sand and salt. The furthest-reaching deliveries are more than 70 miles round trip, even before meeting the full demand in Houghton County. Copper Shores estimates the program is currently reaching less than 10 percent of eligible seniors in the county, meaning the need for reliable transportation will only grow as Meals on Wheels expands. According to Program Director Jessica Mills, the change will be felt at every level.

“The vehicles will help alleviate a lot of pressure points that impact employees, and by default, impact many of the seniors we serve,” said Mills.

Instead of postponing costly repairs or risking their safety to stay on the road, drivers can be equipped with a fleet vehicle for their routes. Each vehicle has been freshly wrapped with Copper Shores’ branding, bringing visibility to the program and the need it fills within the community. The added flexibility ensures seniors experience consistent, uninterrupted service. As expansion continues and additional drivers join the team, access to a personal vehicle may no longer be a barrier to employment.

“We face some very specific community-health challenges living up here,” said Lounibos. “So we’re continually grateful for the people that see those barriers and step forward to provide unique solutions.”

In rural communities like the Copper Country, solutions are often built hand in hand. This donation has offered an exciting peak at the vast potential for community members to get involved in meaningful ways, ensuring seniors across the community receive reliable meals and compassionate service. Look out for our fleet in your neighborhood. You may discover that the need is closer to home than you thought, and thankfully, so is the support.

Take action

Meals on Wheels accepts and appreciates donations of any value. Every contribution goes towards program improvements that better serve local seniors. To learn more or inquire about making a major gift, contact the Copper Shores Donor Relations team.