As you sit down to enjoy your Thanksgiving feast this month, consider this: more than 44 million people face hunger in the United States today, including one in five children. People in rural communities like ours and senior citizens are especially vulnerable.
What can you do about it? Well, after you fill up on stuffing and mashed potatoes, lace up your sneakers and join us for the Gobble Wobble 5K Family Run and Walk on Saturday, Nov. 25 in beautiful downtown Meeker.
Proceeds from the Gobble Wobble 5K will go to Meeker’s Meals on Wheels (MOW) program, which provides nutritious meals to residents within Meeker city limits. ERBM Recreation and Park District and Pioneers Healthcare Foundation (PHF) have partnered for the event.
PHF Director Cindy Rholl told the Herald, “We are thrilled about collaborating with the rec district … for the MOW program. The cost per delivered meal is approximately $5, and we rely on grants and donations to sustain this program as we do not charge for it.”
Eligibility for MOW is not based on income or age. The program is available to many residents, including “those who require chronic care, post-operation/discharge care, or those who are disabled,” according to Rholl. In 2022, MOW volunteers provided more than 4,000 meals. By August of this year, they had already served 3,523 meals. “Meals are served from Monday to Friday, and our dedicated volunteers work hard to ensure that our residents are well-fed even on unpleasant weather days,” Rholl continued.
The Gobble Wobble will directly support Meeker’s Meals on Wheels program. “By supporting MOW, we can ensure our community members receive the nourishment and care they need to thrive,” Rholl said.
To register for the Gobble Wobble, stop by Meeker Recreation Center, 101 Ute Rd., Meeker, or call 970-878-3403. The cost to register is $20 if you sign up by Nov. 22 at noon, or $30 after that time. Participants will receive a t-shirt.
If you pre-register, you can pick up your registration packet Nov. 20-21 from noon to 5 p.m. or Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. to noon. For day-of registration, packets will be available beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Downtown Plaza.
Registrations will be accepted through 10:15 a.m. Nov. 25. The event begins at 11 a.m., with a 1.5 hour time limit to complete the course.
Run, roll, walk or wobble, but be sure to join the fun and support a good cause this holiday season.
