Subaru’s seventh “Share the Love” event supports Beaufort, Bertie, Hertford, Martin and Pitt County seniors

 From the Mid-East Commission Area Agency on Aging

 The Mid-East Commission Area Agency on Aging is proud to announce it has received a $1,000 grant from Meals on Wheels America for its participation in Subaru of America’sseventh annual “Share the Love” event. During the event held from Nov. 20, 2014, through Jan. 2, 2015, Subaru of America, Inc. donated $250 for every new Subaru vehicle purchased or leased to the customer’s choice of participating charities, including Meals on Wheels America, of which Mid-East Commission Area Agency on Aging is a member.

Funding has been cut 3 percent this year for services even as the client wait list continues to grow. There are around 325 individuals in our region waiting to receive services. With this funding, we can provide meals to individuals who would otherwise remain on the waiting list.

During the 2014 holiday season, the Mid-East Commission Area Agency on Aging held a food drive in partnership with congregate and home-delivered meal providers and NCWORKS offices in Beaufort, Bertie, Hertford, Martin and Pitt Counties to raise funds and awareness of senior isolation and hunger. Meal providers included the Pitt County Council on Aging, Bertie County Council on Aging, Martin County Department of Aging and Beaufort County Department of Social Services. Staff attended partnership meetings with other agencies in the aging network and resource fairs to raise awareness. Around 1,200 non-perishable food items were donated to local food pantries. Monetary donations of $485 were also donated to local food pantries.

“We greatly appreciate Subaru’s ongoing commitment to Meals on Wheels through its annual ‘Share the Love’ event,” said Ellie Hollander, Meals on Wheels America President and CEO. “Subaru of America and its local retailers across the country have truly become an extension of the Meals on Wheels family. Even long after this event concludes, Subaru helps us to deliver that warm meal, friendly smile and vital safety check that are so vital to millions of America’s seniors.”

“Subaru, our retailers, and our owners feel good about giving to organizations like Meals on Wheels, and that’s why we do the Subaru “Share the Love” event,” said Brian Cavallucci, Subaru of America’s National Advertising Manager. “Subaru is honored to have donated more than $8.4 million to Meals on Wheels over the past seven years, making a positive impact in local communities and the lives of our elderly loved ones.”

The 2014 “Share the Love” funds will continue to benefit local Meals on Wheels America Member organizations throughout the year through additional grant opportunities, Annual Conference scholarships and by sponsoring the organization’s March for Meals annual awareness campaign.

About Area Agency on Aging

The Mid-East Commission Area Agency on Aging provides funding through the Home and Community Care Block Grant (HCCBG) to the Beaufort, Bertie, Hertford, Martin and Pitt Counties for the provision of congregate meals and home-delivered meals. The HCCBG also provides funding for transportation, in-home aide services, senior center operations, Housing and Home Improvement.