LOUISVILLE — Gratitude.
It’s what’s reflected perfectly in the face of 93-year-old Magdalene Romano when she mentions the holiday basket that arrived at her home last week, delivered by Meals on Wheels of East Boulder County.
It was packed with fruit, chocolates, cookies and other items, but mostly, Romano said, it was filled with caring from a community that often moves too fast and too far to remember those without the ability to move much at all.
“There are always people doing things for the elderly, which I think is perfectly wonderful,” Romano said, seated comfortably in her long-time home on Garfield Street in Louisville, a hand-quilted blanket covering her legs.
Meals on Wheels of East Boulder County delivered 141 baskets in the week before Christmas to elderly residents in Superior, Louisville, Lafayette and Erie who are unable to leave their homes.
It’s the second year the organization has assembled and distributed the baskets, and this year saw a 50 percent increase in outreach over last year.
“It brings a little bit of the outside to these homebound clients,” said Kathy Klepac, president of the nonprofit’s board of directors. “We found that in many cases our gift was the only gift they received this Christmas.”
A total of 100 volunteers worked on buying items for the baskets, putting them together and delivering them to those in need.
One of those who donated her time was Barb Beeler, a resident of Broomfield’s Anthem Ranch. The 76-year-old Meals on Wheels volunteer rallied 43 people in her active adult community to pitch in on the project.
“I think it really helped to brighten their lives,” said Beeler, who delivered several of the baskets herself. “They were mostly surprised and pleased.”
The holiday baskets project, she said, was a good example of seniors helping other seniors.
“We’re healthy and retired,” she said. “We’re in a situation where we can give back to the community.”
Residents at Balfour Senior Living, a retirement community in Louisville, also put together baskets.
“It’s people understanding the importance of these connections,” Klepac said. “It helps remind these folks who are homebound and isolated that they are not forgotten.”
Romano said she gave many of the contents of her holiday basket to her son and the two home healthcare workers who assist her. She isn’t in as much need as others, and she said what she finds most valuable is the time people spend with her.
“I enjoy the visit more than the food,” she said.
Contact Camera Staff Writer John Aguilar at 303-473-1389 or aguilarj@dailycamera.com.
