How Two Volunteers Changed a Community

Lois Elbel and Linda Dempsey are the kind of neighbors we all hope for—considerate and generous.  Good neighbors prepare a hot meal for someone recovering from surgery, or who just lost a spouse, or who is experiencing the physical challenges of aging, making it difficult to grocery shop or prepare a meal on their own.  Neighbors in need, whether temporary or long term, are all around us. 

Lois, whose mother was a client of Meals on Wheels in Indiana, knew firsthand how this program impacted her quality of life and felt confident a similar program would change lives in Lee’s Summit.  Together, Lois and Linda embarked on a mission of service.  “The population of Lee’s Summit in 1974 was approximately 22,000,” Lois Elbel shared.  “We hoped for 15 clients to start the program.”

As the population of Lee’s Summit grew, which now exceeds 105,000 people, so did the number of clients, ninefold.  Meals on Wheels of Lee’s Summit serves 600 meals each week.  “The need continues,” Lois confirmed.

Our volunteers make it all possible; 150 good neighbors, like Lois and Linda, with a heart for service.  Reflecting on the tremendous growth and community involvement Lois humbly shared, “I never dreamed of such success.”