This month, a nationwide campaign is under way to promote awareness of the valuable services provided by the Meals on Wheels program.

As longtime clients of the local branch of this vital organization, we would like to express our thanks to everyone involved.

This includes the dedicated office staff (especially the irreplaceable Lynda Gifford), and individuals, organizations, and businesses who supply food and other assets.

It also includes the talented people who plan and prepare the meals. And, of course, the very kind and generous folks who brave all sorts of weather and ever-rising gas prices to deliver the meals with a warm smile and a friendly greeting.

Many of their clients are on fixed incomes and very likely would otherwise not be able to afford the hot nutritious meals.

Many of their clients are also unable to leave their homes. With the meals, they also receive helpful information about other community services, such as health and economic education programs, and other creative ideas, such as ways to help with pet care and feeding, and the program's recently published cookbook.

The ornaments and decorations created by local children also brighten up our holidays considerably.

It is very comforting just to know that there are still people in the cold harsh world who really care about you and are willing to help.

We urge everyone who may read this to support this wonderful endeavor in any way that they can.

Maxine Andrews

Charles B. Andrews

Augusta