THE FOLLOWING IS A HORIZON HEALTH RELEASE
ABOVE: Community volunteers deliver meals to homebound residents through Horizon Health’s Mobile Meals program. Pictured (L to R) are volunteer Greg McHenry; Krystal Armor, Mobile Meals Program production coordinator; and volunteers Tom and Evelyn Dunn.
(Paris, IL)—When Tom Dunn began delivering meals for the Horizon Health Mobile Meals Program in 1979, Jimmy Carter was president. A loaf of bread cost about 40 cents, and a gallon of gasoline was about 90 cents.
Much has changed since then. One thing, however, has remained constant: Dunn’s commitment to delivering nutritious meals to homebound neighbors.
A lifelong Paris resident, Dunn, 91, is still making his rounds as a Mobile Meals volunteer, continuing a tradition of service that has touched countless lives over nearly five decades. By his side is his wife of 67 years, Evelyn, 94, who rides along and supports him on every delivery.
“I really enjoy it,” Dunn said. “I meet a lot of people, and they appreciate what we do.”
Dunn said he and other volunteers from the Paris First United Methodist Church men’s group deliver more than 140 meals each year. The volunteer effort began in 1979 as the Early Risers community service club, which was formed by the Paris Kiwanis Club.
Along his Mobile Meals route, Dunn has built lasting friendships, even taking time outside his volunteer deliveries to repair one resident’s screen door and install a water heater for another.
After decades of delivering meals and building friendships along the way, Dunn said he has no plans to slow down anytime soon.
“As long as I have a driver’s license and can do it, I plan to continue,” he said. “I’d like to make 50 years.”
About Mobile Meals
The Horizon Health Mobile Meals Program provides fresh, affordable meals to homebound individuals. Meals are prepared by Horizon Health Nutritional Services staff and delivered by community volunteers. Meals are available for a small fee and are delivered within the Paris city limits. Friends or family members may also pick up meals for individuals who live outside the city limits.
In addition to delivering meals, Mobile Meals serves as a wellness check for residents who might not otherwise receive any visitors, said Krystal Armor, Mobile Meals Program production coordinator.
“For some of our meal recipients, the volunteer delivering their meal may be the only person they see that day,” Armor added. “That brief visit not only provides a nutritious meal but also a friendly face and reassurance that someone is checking in on them.”
For more information about Mobile Meals, call 217-466-4535 or visit MyHorizonHealth.org/MobileMeals.
Volunteers Needed
Mobile Meals relies entirely on volunteer drivers to deliver meals. Volunteers are always needed, and delivery schedules are flexible.
“We wouldn’t be able to offer this program without our dedicated volunteers,” Armor said. “They are a vital part of the program, and we value them highly.”
Contact Mobile Meals
- Sign up to receive meals: 217-466-4535
- Request financial assistance for meals: 217-466-4862 or 217-466-4598
- Volunteer to deliver meals: 217-466-4535
- Make a donation to Mobile Meals: 217-465-1234
