FORT WORTH ― A local charity went into rescue mode this morning loading up cars that normally deliver food with blankets and space heaters ― items that could save a life during the next few freezing nights.
Freezing wind whipping down streets and biting at numb hands had most people hurrying home quickly Wednesday, but for some of the elderly and homebound clients Meals on Wheels serves, home isn't always much of a refuge.
That's why Wednesday morning Meals on Wheels workers loaded their cars with blankets and heaters and went to check on 4,000 clients in Tarrant County, including a woman in Haltom City.
"I came out yesterday to make a routine visit,” said Volunteer Matthew Michalke. “She was really worried about the cold temperatures that were coming and wasn't sure where she was going to sleep in the house because she said her bedroom was pretty cold."
And so today, the 87-year-old has a new space heater. It warmed her joints and soon had her up, energetically entertaining guests and momentarily bopping along with a musical dancing toy.
Volunteers said this is a population who's given so much and expects nothing in return. They see people using their old gas heaters or sometimes even their gas stoves to keep them warm.
Meals on Wheels only distributes electric heaters that won't catch fire if they tip over, a comfort to both to the clients and the volunteers who care about them.
