For almost 20 years, Angela Gross has been feeding the elderly in Columbia. As director of Columbia Meals on Wheels, Gross prepares meals to deliver to clients five days a week in the kitchen at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 23 S. Sixth St.

"It's very important to take care of our elderly," Gross said. "This year in particular has been really hard, and it's important that they know we care about them."

Columbia Meals on Wheels provides meals either three or five days a week depending on the client's preference and offers options for just a hot meal and for hot and cold meals.

COVID-19 has caused the organization to make some changes to its operations, Gross noted, including making meals ahead of time to deliver frozen to clients once a week in order to reduce contact between volunteers and clients.

"We are hoping to resume our normal schedule of delivery on Feb. 1," Gross remarked. "We are ready to get back to every weekday."

Gross said Meals on Wheels provides a way for clients to stay in their homes if cooking has become too much of a burden. "We also give their loved ones a sense of relief that someone is coming in and checking on them once a day," she stated.

This year, she has seen an increase in the number of senior citizens requesting meals. "My numbers have definitely gone up," she noted. "I'm averaging 50 to 55 hot meals a week."

The organization is seeking volunteers to deliver meals, Gross said, adding that it is not a major time commitment. "I'm always looking for volunteers and substitute volunteers," she explained. "Once they get to know their route, it takes about a half hour to 45 minutes to deliver. Some people deliver once a week, and some do it more than that."

Gross, who has a culinary degree, said she can't imagine doing any other work.

"I absolutely love this," she remarked. "I love to cook. I love taking care of the elderly. I'm constantly looking at recipes and coming up with meals. I just love seeing clients happy and knowing that they are taken care of."

For more information on Columbia Meals on Wheels or to volunteer, readers may call Gross at 717-684-4244.