Volunteers deliver Christmas meals to seniors across Knox County

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – The Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee’s Mobile Meals made sure seniors in Knox County had meals on Christmas day.

“Our community has been so generous and has brought gifts out for our homebound seniors because the volunteers are taking [food] today, so everyone gets a Christmas gift on Christmas Day,” Judith Pelot, director of nutrition services at CAC, said.

150 volunteers showed up to deliver meals and presents for 650 seniors.

“I love the fact that there are so many people that want to volunteer and give back to our individuals that are in their homes that don’t have anyone visiting them,” Pelot said.

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Thomas Shishkowsky has been volunteering with CAC for more than two years.

“I think the food’s the only part of it, obviously. You know, it’s just to check up on them. Honestly, we do it as a health check almost,” Shishkowsky said.

Mary Leslie is one of the seniors on Shishkowsky’s normal route. Leslie is in her 90s and is still active, Shishkowsky said.

Leslie said she would not be able to get the nutrients she needs without Shishkowsky’s meal drop-offs.

“It would be most difficult to eat correctly. I’ve lost a lot of weight and we’re trying to put the weight back on with the meat or a substitute and two vegetables and a dessert and milk every day, five days a week,” Leslie said.

Shishkowsky and the CAC volunteers also handed out a few gifts to the seniors. Leslie received a toothbrush and toothpaste, a hairbrush and Christmas goodies as her gift.

“Isn’t this wonderful? That was something I didn’t expect,” Leslie said.

For information on how to volunteer, visit the CAC’s website.