As 2020 approaches, members of the Kingfi sher Meals on Wheels board of directors are working to ensure the program can stay operable in the coming year.

The program currently serves 45 senior citizens with a hot meal each weekday.

There are four routes, three of them in Kingfi sher and one to Okarche. Volunteers deliver the meals.

One board member said it’s more than just a meal being delivered.

“It is amazing the friendships you develop and the smile you put on someone’s face just by caring,” said Sheila Thomas.

Meals on Wheels employs two people who prepare the meals and they each receive a monthly salary. There are also upkeep costs such as kitchen repairs.

In all, it costs about $6 to prepare each meal.

Recipients pay $4 for their meals, which means there’s a difference to make up.

Meals on Wheels receives no government assistance.

“As you can see, this program relies heavily on the generosity of our community to continue to provide this much-needed service to our shut-ins,” Thomas said.

Civic groups, churches and countless individuals have stepped up over the years.

One such recent group was the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League.

The LWML held a fund-raiser during the weekend of the OU-Texas football game and raised $500 for Meals on Wheels.

Meals on Wheels has been serving citizens in Kingfisher County for more than 40 years.

On its first day of delivery - April 4, 1977 - there were 12 meals delivered. That grew to an average of 47 meals a day (10,896 for the year) in 1994.

Benefactors have included the late Ralph Enix, who established a trust at Kingfisher Bank and Trust (now BancFirst). Meals on Wheels receives interest from that trust.

Kingfisher Golf Association used its 2018 benefi t golf scramble to raise funds for the organization.

“As 2020 rapidly approaches, we are asking everyone in our communities to please keep this vital service in mind when considering how you may want to help,” Thomas said.

Gifts can be one-time donations or set up monthly, she said.

“Our goal is to keep this program up and running for the year 2020,” Thomas said.