5 Ways to Squeeze in a Dose of Gratitude

We are in the season of “merry and bright” but for some of us who have lost loved ones, this time of year isn’t always merry and bright, and that is okay. Gratitude practices are well known for their ability to fight a case of the blues. When you’re feeling down or stressed out, it’s the best time to focus on the things in you’re life that your grateful for. Practicing gratitude can lift our spirits and improve our overall happiness levels. Here are 6 ways you can practice gratitude:

  1. Volunteer to Deliver Meals on Wheels with us! Diving into new, positive experiences is a surefire way to practice gratitude. Delivering meals is such a treat. The client interactions are pleasant, the drive through Liberty/Dayton is easy, and the meals leave a yummy smell in your vehicle. What’s not to like? Sign up here.
  2. Early Morning Musings As soon as you wake up in the morning and before you get out of bed, identify five things in your life that you’re grateful for. There is no better way to start the day than thinking about the people and things in your life that you appreciate.
  3. Handwritten Notes Try to make this an actual handwritten note that you can send in the mail or leave at someone’s desk or leave on someone’s car or doorstep. Make it warm and detailed. Tell them how they make you feel and how special they are to you. Not only will it be the highlight of their day, it’ll also make you feel good and bring you closer together.
  4. Gratitude Journal Keep a daily journal, and at the same time every day (morning or bedtime), write down three things in your life that you’re grateful for and why — this can be anything from family members, to a safe and warm home or something great you did that day.
  5. Mealtime Musings and Prayer Before you eat your next meal, consider recognizing how many steps the food had to travel before getting onto your plate. Give thanks to the farmers, the transportation, the grocery employees, or anyone who prepared the meal — picture each of these steps and people along the way, giving thanks for their contribution to your meal. This is a perfect group or family gratitude practice for Thanksgiving Day. Try doing one of these practices every day for 30 days straight and notice how it makes you feel!

Cheers

Hannah Taylor, Executive Director

Anderson Grant Match Complete!

Well folks, we did it! And in record time, too!

During “March for Meals” celebrated this year, our program was awarded a $9,000 Challenge Grant and given one calendar year to raise the funds.

The annual March for Meals celebration commemorates the historic day on March 22, 1972, when President Nixon signed into law a measure that amended the Older Americans Act of 1965 to include a national nutrition program for seniors 60 years and older. This year, Meals on Wheels programs from across the country joined forces for the awareness campaign and to celebrate 50 years of success to garner the support needed to ensure these critical programs can continue to address food insecurity and malnutrition, combat social isolation, enable independence, and improve health for years to come. Programs from across the country have celebrated the month of March since 2002 to increase awareness for Meals on Wheels and recruit the support needed to meet rising demand.

Thanks to our generous supporters like you, since March we received $9,000 in new donations from the community and we have reached our goal!

We will now receive a matching donation of $9,000 from the Carl Anderson Foundation to cover expenses associated with feeding seniors in Dayton, Texas!

Through a partnership with the Dayton Community Center and City of Dayton, we provide hot meals five days a week for home-bound seniors in Dayton, Texas!

Thanks to all of our supporters for helping make this happen! Celebrate with us by sending a free card with a special message from you to a senior. Click below and we will print your greeting along with the card and deliver it with their meal this month!

Cheers!

Hannah Taylor, Executive Director

Meals on Wheels to provide towel sets this Christmas!

Tis the season for giving!

Join our initiative by helping us provide a new towel set for our senior neighbors!

Sets will include a washcloth, hand towel and bath towel.

Shop our Amazon link below or drop off sets to our office at the First United Methodist Church choir hall located at 539 Main Street in Liberty anytime between 8:30-Noon, Monday through Friday! Towel sets will be delivered to clients with their meals the week before Christmas! If you would like to ride along to help deliver, please contact Hannah at 281-622-0528 or hannah@libertymeals.com to arrange a date to deliver.

A local sewing club in Cleveland, Texas will monogram each towel with the initials of each Meals on Wheels client!

Don’t delay, shop and give today!

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3APQYAKNHGUN?ref_=wl_share&fbclid=IwAR1wyCALL3ajRdRZjXqiEp135W6KsM7Lz5et3UKhwc0llD_uI3Fehjo95Mo

An Introduction to South Liberty County Meals-on -Wheels

Welcome to the new website for South Liberty County Meals-on-Wheels! A program of nonprofit organization, G.R.A.C.E Initiative, the South Liberty County Meals-on-Wheels program currently serves five hot meals per week to approximately 65 clients within the City of Liberty and the City of Ames.

Unlike other programs, ours is unique: all of our delivery drivers are volunteers! The Liberty County community is known for their heart for their neighbors, and the volunteers at Meals-on-Wheels are a daily testament to that truth.

In recognition of Older Americans Month, the Board of Directors are embarking on a May fundraising effort. Each meal costs just $4! To continue serving our existing clients and to expand serving more areas and more local residents, will you make a gift today?

All donations are tax-deductible. You may donate online here or mail a check to PO Box 10397, Liberty, Texas 77575. THANK YOU!