Volunteers and staff at Meals on Wheels work tirelessly to ensure Denton's elderly population is nourished, both physically and emotionally. At the helm of this vital effort is Michelle McMahon, the Executive Director of SPAN Meals on Wheels Denton. We got the chance to sit down with Michelle and find out ways to give back to the community.

*Editor's note: Interview has been shortened for clarity and brevity.

What is Meals on Wheels?

Meal on Wheels is actually something that has been around for quite a while. We deliver hot, nutritious meals to homebound seniors Monday through Friday. The meals are regulated by federal guidelines and the program also provides a friendly check-in from volunteers. Seniors go through an application and assessment process to qualify for the program.

What is Senior Paws?

A lot of people ask me — "Does every Meals on Wheels program have like they call it a pet program?" Ours is called senior paws, but no. Not all Meals on Wheels programs have this. So a lot of times, people are asking us the questions, but we're there to but we're happy to share, because we believe in the program so much. So what is it? Senior Paws is a pet food delivery program for Meals on Wheels clients who have pets. The program was developed to address seniors sacrificing their own meals to feed their pets. Senior Paws delivers pet food monthly to about 100 cats and dogs of Meals on Wheels clients.

There are 35 trucks that help deliver food to seniors and pets throughout Denton County. | Photo via DALtoday

What is Spooktacular?

Spooktacular is an annual Halloween fundraising event held by Meals on Wheels/SPAN on Saturday, Oct.19. We have a lot of limitations on our senior paws program right now including finding more storage space for pet food donations, providing food assistance to elders and their pets, and potentially hiring a part-time staff member to manage the program a couple of hours a week.

What is the urgency for people to volunteer?

Meals on Wheels and Senior Paws programs rely heavily on volunteer efforts, from delivering meals to picking up and organizing pet food donations. More volunteers are needed to help sustain and grow these programs to serve more seniors in need.

Where can people donate and find more information?

People can donate directly to the Senior Paws program through the Spooktacular event website or by mailing a check. General donations can also be made through the Meals on Wheels/SPAN website. To volunteer or find more information, people can call the office, website, or email to get connected with the appropriate department.