SAN ANTONIO – Meals on Wheels San Antonio is helping the community try and beat the heat by hosting its largest distribution event ever this weekend.
The Beat the Heat distribution event on Saturday fills a desperate need with the summer heat hitting record-breaking temperatures.
The Meals on Wheels organization is asking for volunteers to help deliver cooling kits, AC units, and box fans to over 3,700 people. A minimum of 400 volunteers are needed.
“A majority of the folks that Meals on Wheels serves are individuals who have difficulty leaving their home,” said CEO Vinsen Faris. “Some of these do not have air conditioners. Some of them have fans only.”
Cooling kits include water bottles, first-aid kits, reusable ice packs and cooling towels.
“They just simply dip it into water, put it around their neck. It’s amazing what it does to help keep the body temperature down. We have an ice pack that is a little safety ice pack for them to keep in their freezer,” said Faris.
Those that wish to help are expected to arrive early to pick up fans, and cooling kits for delivery between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. Volunteers can find pick-up sites near them here. Faris said many of their clients are older and have lived in their homes for years.
“Our main goal here is to keep them safe in their home, in a situation that is healthy and safe for them where they want to be, and a volunteer to be able to participate in that is very rewarding,” said Faris.
If you are interested in helping at the event, you can apply at the Meals on Wheels website. Volunteers will be provided with proper cooling essentials to ensure they stay hydrated throughout the distribution event.
Also on KSAT: