Students at Cactus Valley Elementary School (CVE) stepped forward to make a significant contribution to the Grand River Health Meals on Wheels program this Valentine’s Day.

In a heartwarming act motivated by a desire to support their community, the CVE Student Council orchestrated a Valentine candy sale, the proceeds of which were recently donated to the Meals on Wheels program.

The donation, amounting to $844, was warmly received by Grand River Health. Dee Warwick, Volunteer Services Assistant at Grand River Health Meals on Wheels, expressed her admiration for the students’ initiative and awareness of the program. 

“It was an extremely special gesture,” Warwick said. “These kids are helping and touching the lives of a lot of people who are in need. It means a lot.”

She detailed the origins of the students’ familiarity with Meals on Wheels, crediting volunteer Marisela Moreno, who introduced the concept to the school. This connection sparked a campaign that culminated in a significant donation aimed at supporting community members in need.

Warwick explained the impact of the students’ contribution. 

“When I went to accept it, I told them that we are very fortunate,” she said. “They presented us with a big check that they had made, and to see how excited the students were was very special.”

The funds raised by the students are expected to cover the cost of 211 meals, providing essential support to the program’s clients, who receive meals at no cost thanks to donations and grants.

Grand River Meals on Wheels serves a wide area, delivering meals to 100 clients daily across New Castle, Silt, Rifle, Parachute and Battlement Mesa. Warwick highlighted the diverse needs of their clients, including the elderly and those unable to cook for themselves due to various reasons, including disabilities or recent surgeries. The program’s success is heavily reliant on its volunteers, numbering over 120, who ensure the delivery of meals throughout the week.

The initiative also served as an educational opportunity for the students. Moreno, who also happens to be a Cactus Valley Elementary staff member, noted the curiosity and excitement among the students as they learned about the program. 

“A lot of them didn’t understand at first,” Moreno said. “After explaining to them what the Meals on Wheels program does, you could tell that it was something that they wanted to contribute to, because they understood the significance of the program.”

Explaining the process of delivering meals and the types of individuals who benefit from the service, Moreno said that a number of students said they want to volunteer for the program one day. 

The CVE students’ donation not only provides immediate support to Grand River Meals on Wheels but also inspires hope for future volunteerism in the students. Moreno said the enthusiastic response from the students indicated a growing awareness and willingness to engage in community service, extending beyond financial contributions to active participation in delivering meals.