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Feeding A Growing Need


On Tuesday morning, more than 100 people put their own Christmas plans on hold to bring meals and the spirit of the holidays to more than 450 local seniors most in need.

“You get that human connection," said Libba Skarnulis, who was volunteering with her husband, two kids, and sister in law. That one-on-one time, many times with people who have no other relatives in town, is what drew the family to volunteer with Meals on Wheels.

Some clients show quiet gratitude. For others, the food and cards spark long conversations on life experiences and passions. For client Lee Webb, that includes the model cars he makes, and his love for his country, pointing out a picture taken of him at 19 in France, just moments after he found out he’d be coming home from World War II, instead of continuing the fight in Japan.

"I enjoy living and I can't understand why people don't just loosen up a little bit," said Webb.

Meals on Wheels officials say Austin is home to the second-fastest growing senior citizen population in the country, fueled by seniors choosing to move to Central Texas.

By Adam Bennett