Thousands of home-bound people across the state had their turkey and pie (or apple crisp for the diabetics) dropped off at their door today. It’s one of the busiest times of year for Meals on Wheels, whose average recipient is about 75, female, and lives alone. “But they’re fiercely independent,” says Beth Adams, director of Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels.
David Drake, 85, knows his regulars from the route he drives a couple times a month. But this time he’s got his granddaughters in tow, taking the plastic-wrapped trays and handmade holiday placemats (specially decorated by local kids) up to the front doors.
“Well you're helping people, c'mon,” Drake says. “With giving people that need some help, and need some food and need some love. And we just gotta get out there and do it. And we're thankful we have the ability to do it."
His granddaughters, Carly Kruzel, 20 and Kendra Kruzel, 17, are visiting from Boyne City. This is at least the third year they’ve done this route.
“Happy Thanksgiving!”
"Is that a pumpkin pie?" one woman asks at her front door.
"You bet it is!” Carly Kruzel laughs. “It's thanksgiving, you can't have thanksgiving without a pumpkin pie!”
Some 5,000 people in the Detroit area alone are getting their holiday meals this way.
