A couple of mornings each week, Larry and Gwen Reavis can be seen navigating their way across the parking lots at senior housing complexes and up and down walkways in Yeadon. Their cooler, loaded with plastic bags carefully packed with food, may be a bit heavy at first, but their load soon lightens as they deliver the bags to the smiling faces of thankful recipients.

            The Reavis’ are volunteers for Senior Community Services and two days a week they deliver meals to homebound seniors from Friendship Circle Senior Center.

After retiring several months ago, the Reavis’ discovered the senior center, where they saw the need for more volunteers.

“My wife Gwen and I have been a team ever since,” Larry said. “I drive and we both take the meals up to the door.”

            Older adults qualify for home delivered meals based on their functional need. After an initial assessment, if it is determined that there is no other way for the senior to receive proper nutrition, the meals are ordered. The meals come from four meal sites that are operated by SCS, in addition to Friendship Circle. Those locations include Schoolhouse Senior Center in Folsom, Chester Senior Center in Chester, Good Neighbor Senior Center in Sharon Hill and Episcopal Place in Upland. In total, there are 11 meal sites in Delaware County.

            A typical meal might consist of honey glazed chicken or Salisbury steak, milk, juice, a roll or bread and a dessert. The meals are delivered hot. Some homebound seniors, depending on their needs also receive a cold sandwich or a frozen meal. Pureed meals are also available if medically necessary. The meals meet state nutritional requirements and are suitable for all diabetic consumers and those with cardiovascular diseases and high blood pressure.

The deliveries bring not only much needed nourishment to those who are homebound, but provide a way for the volunteers to check on their well being. Recently, Larry and SCS Executive Director Arthur Weisfeld crossed paths during the SCS Older American’s Month Walk at the John Heinz National Wildlife Preserve in Tinicum.

“We were both walking the 3.3 mile trail and enjoying the fresh air and scenery and there was Larry worrying about getting back in time for his homebound deliveries,” Arthur said. “I was just so impressed with his dedication. It’s the one thing that I value most about SCS volunteers - their dedication and commitment to helping others.”

“I guess my mind’s eye was on the clock,” said Larry. “The walk was a little late getting started and I was worried about getting back in time for my deliveries. After all, these people really depend on us.”

            Larry’s commitment to the homebound has never wavered.  He understands that it is more than just a bag full of food. It’s seeing that smile on the face of the person as they greet you at the door, which makes it all worthwhile.

            “That’s the moment when you realize how important you are to that person,” he said. “More than anything, you are their lifeline to the outside world. Nothing else can replace that feeling of being needed and appreciated. I recommend volunteering to everyone.”

            Those who are interested in volunteering for the Senior Supper Program can call Michelle McGowan at 610-237-8100, Ext. 25. Volunteers are reimbursed for their mileage and receive a free meal at the center the day of delivery.