Bishop Richard J. Malone spends time with one of the clients of the Meals on Wheels organization.

Bishop Richard J. Malone and Father Ryszard Biernat recently delivered meals to some of the area's homebound through Meals on Wheels for WNY.

At each home, Bishop Malone took time to get to know his homebound neighbors, asking about their families, their health and their hobbies, before providing a prayer and a personal blessing.  Several clients, including Patrick in the Broadway area of Buffalo, were ecstatic to have such an important guest.

Patrick, who attended the seminary earlier in life, was particularly excited to have someone to share a few words with in Latin. 

Another client, Frances, was so delighted that she kept clapping and repeating over and over that the visit "made her day."

"We're very fortunate to have the bishop come out and deliver to our clients," said Tara A. Ellis, chief executive officer and president of Meals on Wheels for WNY. "He tells us every year how much he enjoys it and it just means the world to those that we are able to visit.  Plus, his support is greatly appreciated as we work to get additional meal delivery volunteers."

Meals on Wheels for WNY serves 900,000 meals to more than 3,600 homebound seniors and disabled individuals each year in Western New York who have a limited ability to prepare meals for themselves. This wouldn't be possible without the help of 1,500 volunteers, 400 of whom are on the streets each day.

It takes just one hour to volunteer and people can deliver as frequently or infrequently as they wish. With 25 sites throughout Western New York, volunteers can easily serve out of a site near their home, work or school (wherever they are midday).

Learn more about volunteering and how to help make a difference at mealsonwheelswny.org/volunteer.