200 volunteers serve 500 in need

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The day started on the serving line at Meals on Wheels. The kitchen staff worked through 95 pounds of turkey, 135 pounds of dressing and 125 pounds of vegetables.

Each plate was sealed and staged for delivery.

The organization has about 500 clients; mostly older adults and individuals with disabilities according to CEO  Adam Hauser. “We have a very fast growing aging population so the demand for our serves is increasing, exponentially,” said Hauser.

Hauser said his the team provides meals and friendship to their clients every day.

But this day is special. An example of that was the stack of handmade holiday cards from local school children that will go out with each meal. “It is an amazing thing, very special, we love our volunteers we could not accomplish our mission without them,” said Hauser.

This is an annual tradition for a lot of families that come out and volunteer; about 200 them.

They are showing up with bags and coolers while meals are being prepared.

Ashley Hernandez and Myra Martinez  came decked out with holiday headgear. They’re from Cedar Park and started volunteering three years ago.

“So I think it’s about being with family and community this Thanksgiving,” said Hernandez. 

Martinez said she never thought three years ago she’d still be doing this. “Oh gosh no, but it’s so much fun I tell everybody, and they’re like what are you doing tomorrow, doing meals on wheels, and it’s like, oh that’s so awesome, and I say thanks,” said Martinez.

The two were greeting by Governor Greg Abbott who has also made this event a family tradition. Abbott also went down the line of volunteers thanking those who turned out- including the kitchen staff.

“It is like Texas, to give up their time to help others. its exactly like what I saw in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, where Texans come together and help each other,” said Governor Abbott.

Later the governor, his wife and daughter started making their own deliveries.

The first stop was the east Austin home of Pam and Roy Morgan. “The least we can do is take a little time out and make sure you all have a nice warm meal, on Thanksgiving,” said Abbott.