HALLOWELL — Since 1998 Spectrum Generations has worked with local partners on a special project to remember those who are elderly and frail. The Meals on Wheels Christmas Ornament Project continues to be a success thanks to the generosity of the community. Individuals, businesses or organizations purchase handmade Christmas ornaments crafted and donated by local volunteers and school children. The money collected, $4 for each ornament, goes toward the cost of the meals while the ornaments are gifted to the home-bound seniors and disabled adults.

Spectrum Generations collaborates with central Maine schools and organizations to create these special ornaments. Some of the schools and organizations participating in the ornament project include Pittston School, Girl Scout Troop 522, Manchester Elementary, Winthrop Grade School and the Henry Cottrell Elementary School.

The ornaments are very much appreciated by the Meals on Wheels consumers. Often the ornaments are kept on display throughout the year.

“One elderly lady comes to mind,” said Lynda Johnson, nutrition coordinator. “She was very frail, after falling and breaking her hip, but always had a smile on her face and had something nice to say each time she was delivered a meal. After receiving the ornament last Christmas, she was very quiet and thoughtful, looking at me with tears in her eyes, she said, ‘Is this really for me? Please thank the children that made me this ornament. I will treasure it forever.’ I found out later that this homemade gift was the only gift she received that year.”

Approximately 1,500 home-bound adults depended on Spectrum Generations to deliver as many as 200,000 Meals on Wheels to 128 towns across central Maine last year. The average cost of each meal is approximately $5.60, although the average donation is less than $1 per meal. To support the Meals on Wheels 2011 Holiday Ornament Project, contact Lynda Johnson, PO Box 272, Hallowell, Maine 04347. Make checks payable to Spectrum Generations. For more information, call 626-7777 or email at ljohnson@spectrumgenerations.org.

The public is invited to call the Spectrum Generations Consumer Helpline at 1-800-639-1553. The agency’s website is www.spectrumgenerations.org.

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