Meals on Wheels – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

A Senior Center Valentines

On February 11, LEAP students again had the privilege of spending the day volunteering at the Walker County Senior Center, continuing a partnership that has become one of the most meaningful parts of our program. Each visit reminds us why community connections matter, and this Valentine’s-themed day was no exception.

One of our regular responsibilities is leading Bingo, which is always a highlight. On this day, Ashton Droll and Nataly Elizondo took the lead, and they did an excellent job!

We also spend time playing card games and board games with congregants, sitting at tables, listening to stories, and sharing laughs. These moments of conversation—about families, hobbies, and memories—help bring us together despite differences in age and other demographic characteristics.

This visit had a special Valentine’s Day twist. The room was decorated with hearts and splashes of red and pink, adding an extra layer of festivity to the afternoon. In addition to our usual activities, we had the honor of helping judge a Valentine’s Day coloring contest. The artwork was creative, colorful, and full of personality. Choosing winners was no easy task!

One of our fellow volunteers perfectly capped the day by bringing us some Valentines candy (as well as mentioning us in her prayer) and thanking us for our volunteerism. Of course, we were just as thankful for her volunteerism, while also genuinely grateful for her generosity.

It was a fitting end to a day that marks a pause in our visits to the Senior Center. Next month, we will see some of our friends at the Empty Bowls event at the Wynne Home, where we will be volunteering.

It is a fitting destination for us to meet our Senior Center friends. We did some of our bowls at the Senior Center (we did others at SHSU), and we spent time with the seniors who did their own bowls (such as the bowl above, done by Yolanda). Moreover, the proceeds for this event will go to the Meals on Wheels program, run by the Senior Center.

More important, it’s an environment that, like the Senior Center, brings the joy of community into people’s lives, including our own.

Fun, Games, and Education: Volunteering at the Senior Center

With the first month of the semester almost complete, LEAP is thoroughly ensconced with volunteerism across the community and, especially, at the Walker County Senior Center, where there is much fun to be had.

Nataly Elizondo and Bailey Hopkins at the Senior Center

Our routine is straightforward: introductions, five games of Bingo, and then selecting from myriad games at different tables. But the possibilities are numerous, fun, and intriguing.

We began again with Bingo, this time with Nataly taking the lead as most other volunteers sat at the tables.

Normally a quiet sort, Nataly flashed some smiles, enunciated loudly and clearly, and had great teamwork with her co-host Mikaela Baires. She even received some cheers from the congregants.

Of course, not as many cheers as the winners.

Following the Bingo game, students sat at different tables, interacting with seniors and other volunteers. In some cases, such as Ashton’s, it meant learning new card games from others at the table…

…and eventually she won, making everyone happy!

At other tables, the students taught the seniors new games.

And all the games were new for Mikaela, whose family doesn’t play cards.

While there, we ran into a familiar face: Dottie Fulton! Ms. Fulton is one of our favorite people to plant flags with for the Lions Club Flag Project, and we relish each time we get to see her.

One of the things that LEAP students soon learn with volunteering is that many of the same people show up at diverse venues: people who donate their time and resources do so across a variety of causes, and they are the individuals who make communities better places to live.

And, of course, that is exactly what makes the Senior Center a worthy place to donate time and money.

Walker County Senior Center Appreciation Dinner

by Chrissy Biello

With so many people in need of assistance, it is truly inspiring to witness the dedication of those who work tirelessly to support others. Olivia Discon, Michelle Cardenas, Madison Cawthon, and I had the privilege of experiencing this commitment firsthand by volunteering at the Walker County Senior Center Appreciation Dinner. This special event, organized by Executive Director Stacey Loll, honored the hardworking staff and supporters who keep the Senior Center running smoothly and provide invaluable support to the elderly in Walker County and the surrounding communities through programs such as Meals on Wheels.

The dinner brought together a diverse group of community members, including city council members, judges, and city employees, all demonstrating their support for this vital program.

A particularly touching moment was the reunion between Sandra Clifton, former Executive Director of the Huntsville Family YMCA, and Professor Yawn, who served on the YMCA board during Sandra’s tenure.

We also had an engaging conversation with Clyde Loll, the Deputy Director of Homeland Security at Sam Houston State University, whose insights from his past role as a Huntsville City Council member were particularly valuable–and had a chance to reacquaint ourselves with some county officials.

Additionally, it was wonderful to see Wes and Karen Altom, whom Olivia and I had previously met at a Walker County Chamber of Commerce Lunch and Learn that they hosted on digital marketing!

Alongside volunteers from the Huntsville Junior Service League…

…we quickly set about ensuring that all attendees had everything they needed.

From providing drinks to addressing various requests, our goal was to express our appreciation for their contributions to the community.

The delicious food, catered by Farmhouse Cafe, was a highlight of the evening (especially the strawberry and chocolate cake!).

Stacey Loll began her presentation, explaining that each day begins at 5 in the morning as staff prepare and deliver nutritious meals to seniors across Huntsville, New Waverly, and surrounding areas.

This service addresses not only the nutritional needs of seniors but also helps combat loneliness and isolation; many seniors benefit significantly from these meals and the chance to connect with others.

The Senior Center also offers a welcoming space where seniors can gather, enjoy a hot meal in person, drink coffee, and engage in activities like playing dominoes, bingo, and Wii Sports!

Ms. Loll also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the Meals on Wheels program, including rising costs. Despite these hurdles, community support remains strong. Notably, the generosity and commitment of our community in supporting the Meals on Wheels program is extremely evident by donations from the Haunted Trails event hosted by the City of Huntsville and the Wynne Home’s Empty Bowls event, the latter of which raised over $6,000 for the program!

While daily challenges are ever-present, it is crucial to continue extending our help to those in need. Communities are able to thrive when one remembers that each person matters and that collective efforts can create meaningful change.

Volunteering for Volunteers–with the Senior Center of Walker County!

We’ve previously volunteered for the Senior Center, but only indirectly. For the past two years, we’ve assisted with “Empty Bowls,” hosted by the Wynne Home, and the proceeds from that fundraiser go to the Senior Center. But we’ve never helped directly with the good people there, and so helping the staff and board members thank the Center’s regular volunteers at their “Volunteer Appreciation Dinner” was a nice opportunity.

And while this may have been our first time to directly help the organization, the Senior Center has been helping others for the past 45 years! Help, indeed: in 2021, the organization provided more than 52,000 meals to those who are food insecure in Walker County!

Director Stacy Loll led the proceedings, we and the Junior Service League of Huntsville, and Board members Linda McKenzie, City Councilmember Jon Strong, Alice Ellisor, Robert Patteson, Ellen Willett, Karen Hewitt, Mary Douglas, Brad Davis, Bart Davis, Susan Retzlaff, Rosie Knight, and Dick Morton all assisted.

Their goal was to thank the many regular volunteers who assist the Senior Center, especially those that volunteer for the “Meals on Wheels” program.

For our part, we worked at greeting, drinks, and to a lesser extent, desserts. Our tasks were straightforward and pleasant; working with good people for a good cause is almost always pleasant!

Ms. Loll recognized various volunteers…

…and we also heard testimony to the hard work of JD Davis, who served as Board Chairman until his passing last year. His family was on hand, and the Board did a good job of honoring his service to the Senior Center, including providing a plaque to the family.

Linda McKenzie and Alice Ellisor also bought two tickets to the Isaacs, who are appearing at the Old Town Theatre. A lucky volunteer came away with a fun night of entertainment!

One unexpected delight was that we were also offered the opportunity to eat. Humphreys did a fine job with the catering, and the food, some gift bags…

…and the genuine appreciation of the Board, reflected the deep gratitude we all feel for the regular volunteers who help make the community a stronger–and better–place.

Feeding the Hungry and Promoting the Arts: Empty Bowls 2020

Some 14 years ago, a LEAP intern worked on Montgomery County’s first-ever “Empty Bowls” fundraiser. The next year, she worked with the City of Huntsville to implement the program locally. This year, the Wynne Home once again coordinated and hosted this wonderful program, raising much-needed money for “Meals on Wheels.”

The program is innovative. The Wynne Home recruits local artists (thank you Lauren Clay!) to lead ceramics classes–an open ceramic studio–to allow local citizens to create bowls. The Wynne Home also finds a sponsor for soup (thank you HEB!).

These two processes came together on February 24, when soup lunches were sold at the Wynne Home. Patrons who purchased the soup were then allowed to choose from a selection of “Empty Bowls.”

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, LEAP Ambassadors, Wynne Home Arts Center, Meals on Wheels, Empty Bowls

The proceeds from the lunch, in turn, were donated to “Meals on Wheels,” a Senior Center program that helps feed the hungry in Walker and Madison counties.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, LEAP Ambassadors, Wynne Home Arts Center, Meals on Wheels, Empty Bowls

In one program, the Wynne Home Arts Center is able to promote the Arts and raise money for local charities.

This year, more than 200 people attended the luncheon, and more than $2,500 was raised for Meals on Wheels.

Many thanks to the artists who led the open studios, the Empty Bowls’s sponsor, and the many volunteers (including LEAP Ambassadors) who assisted with the program.

SHSU, LEAP Center, Center for Law Engagement And Politics, LEAP Ambassadors, Wynne Home Arts Center, Meals on Wheels, Empty Bowls

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