Betty DePalma volunteered for Lakeview Meals on Wheels when she moved to Stoneboro 25 years ago.

She has since moved to Grove City but continues to travel to Stoneboro so that she can continue devoting her time to the organization she's served since 1978.

"I've always enjoyed it. When I started, we had eight clients. Now we have more than 40. It's really grown from what it was when it began," Mrs. DePalma said.

Lakeview Meals on Wheels celebrated its 28th birthday with a party Wednesday at Stoneboro firehall and acknowledged Mrs. DePalma and a host of other volunteers who help keep the program intact.

Nearly 100 people -- volunteers, clients and community leaders -- came out for the birthday party and appreciation luncheon. Richard Horn, pastor of Stoneboro Presbyterian Church where the Meals on Wheels kitchen is located, led a prayer. Judy Christ, a musical therapist, provided entertainment. Students from the Lakeview Consortium Alternative Education program, who decorate lunch bags with seasonal art were also on hand.

Jeannie Greenfield, program director, said the annual birthday luncheons are a good way for people to come together.

"It's our way of saying thank you to all of our volunteers for the work that they do. We couldn't ask for a nicer, better bunch of people. They're all really committed. You have to remember this is a nonpaying job, but we all enjoy it. Everybody gets a good feeling from it," she said.

Meals on Wheels delivers two meals a day -- one hot and one cold -- to the disabled, frail elderly, homebound or anyone who is unable to cook his or her own meals. Most clients are age 60 or older, but anyone who is mentally or physically unable to prepare a meal is eligible for the program, Mrs. Greenfield said.

"Our client numbers are down. People think this program is just for seniors and that's not true. There are no restrictions like that," she said. The program provides clients with proper nutrition and daily checks on their well-being. An emergency contact card is kept for each meal recipient so the volunteer knows whom to call if the participant does not answer the door.

Products for the meals are supplied by local companies, businesses and United Way contributions.

The program is not free. Recipients are usually referred to the program by their doctors and pay a small fee for the services. For $15 weekly, clients receive two meals a day for three days a week, or for $20 weekly, they receive two meals a day for five days.

Volunteer drivers, like Kitty and Lester Gehres of Fredonia, help deliver the meals to Jackson Center, Fredonia, Stoneboro, Clarks Mills and surrounding areas. Others come in at 8 a.m. to help pack lunches in the kitchen.

"I keep the same route. There's five houses on my route. I've volunteered all my life. This is just one of the many things," Gehres said.

Mary Pizza of Sandy Lake, who has cooked the meals for more than four years, said she feeds about 30 clients a day.

"I have an established menu that I rotate around. We use nutrition guidelines and make the meals up from there," she said.

For more information about receiving meals or volunteering, call Lakeview Meals on Wheels cook Mary Pizza at (724)376-4088, between 7 and 10 a.m. weekdays.