The motto for CityMeals on-Wheels—an organization dedicated to making sure poor, elderly New York City residents have enough to eat is “Nourish your soul. Feed elderly New Yorkers.” And that feels about right to Ira Riklis, who has been a long-time supporter of the group. The funding provided by his family has earned them the rank of “Very Grand Patrons,” but rather than feeling grand, they feel privileged to be able to help for while the money goes to feed others, it is their souls who are being nourished as well.
The group—which began operations 30 years ago—provided more than two million meals to disadvantaged seniors last year alone. For many of those people, it’s their main source of nutrition. But Ira Riklis knows that the meals are just part of the story. Those who deliver the meals to the often home-bound elderly also provide companionship and connection with the outside world. How about you? Is your soul being nourished? You might want to look for similar groups operating near you!