Lee’s Summit Mayor Bill Baird will be among the Meals on Wheels of Lee’s Summit supporters as the organization commemorates their 50th anniversary on Saturday, Sept. 21. The event will feature an award presentation to founders Lois Elbel and Linda Dempsey who started Meals on Wheels of Lee’s Summit in the fall of 1974.
“The Meals on Wheels of Lee’s Summit Board of Directors is honored to host the mayor, current and former volunteers, donors, and the families we serve as we recognize Lois and Linda’s incredible contribution to Lee’s Summit. Because of these two women, over 632,000 meals have been served to the homebound in our community,” Susan Newsam, President of Meals on Wheels of Lee’s Summit shared.
The anniversary celebration will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Meadows Community Center at John Knox Village located at 1800 NW O’Brien Road in Lee’s Summit.
History of Meals on Wheels of Lee’s Summit
When the population of Lee’s Summit was approximately 22,000, two residents, Lois Elbel and Linda Dempsey, set out to serve meals to the homebound. They were hoping to reach 15 people in need. Lois, whose mother was a client of Meals on Wheels in Indiana, knew firsthand how this program can impact quality of life and felt confident a similar program could change lives in Lee’s Summit.
50 years later, Meals on Wheels of Lee’s Summit:
• Is now a 501 c 3 nonprofit
• Has a 12-member Board of Directors
• Has a fulltime employee
• Is an active Lee’s Summit Chamber Member
• Has 15 volunteers working in the kitchen each week
• Has 110 volunteers delivering meals to clients each week
• Has 15 schools and business partners.
• Averages 655 meals each week
• Has served a total of 632,883 meals as of August 31, 2024
