DALLAS — Facing a bitterly cold night, more than 150 Dallas residents who have asked for help will not get it — turned down because the program they were counting on is out of money.
It is the first time in 25 years that Meals on Wheels has run out of money, threatening to end the program that delivers free space heaters to Dallas County residents in need.
"We've already provided already over 150," said the agency's president and CEO Robert Carpenter. "We have over a half a dozen left, and we have over a couple hundred dollars left."
Carpenter said the city's most vulnerable citizens — the elderly — are suffering. And with 150 already on a waiting list in the third week of winter, the timing could not be worse.
"There are people we know that are utilizing their ovens in their kitchen, which means they are stuck in their kitchen all day long," Carpenter said. "They're not getting any help, and it pains our volunteers and our staff that this condition exists."
Maxine McCallum, 75, just received a space heater courtesy of Meals on Wheels. Now has the luxury to expose her toes and wear lighter clothing while watching TV. It's a luxury she was unable to afford when she had no heat.
"I've been without heat, so I know what it is to not have heat, and I know what its like to not have an air conditioner," she said.
But now that she's got it? "I love it!" McCallum said with a laugh.
Countless churches and other non-profits in Dallas County count on Meals on Wheels for assistance with free space heaters. Unfortunately, they are now being turned away.
It costs the agency less than $50 to provide and deliver a free space heater.
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