Lawrence Brady cannot get around as easily as he once could.

About six years ago, the 73-year-old found himself confined to a wheelchair because of leg and back problems.

"I am not able to walk," Brady said. "I can do my food but what helps me out is not having to jump up and cook every afternoon."

And so when he heard about the Orangeburg County Council on Aging's Meals on Wheels program, Brady could not have asked for a greater blessing. He's been a beneficiary of the program for about four years.

For Brady it is not just a meal. He says the OCCOA also helps with some minor housekeeping duties such as mopping the floor.

"I am very much thankful," he said.

Beverly Pendarvis, who oversees the Meals on Wheels program for its 269 clients, says the program is a lifesaver for those who otherwise would not have a nutritious, well-rounded meal.

In addition to Orangeburg, the Meals on Wheels program serves Vance, Springfield and Bowman.

"The meal helps them remain longer in their homes," Pendarvis said. "They can't prepare meals for themselves whether it is because of their memory -- they will leave a pot on the stove and forget it is there -- or they just don't have the funds to buy nutritious, healthy foods to cook."

To qualify for Meals on Wheels home-delivery service, individuals must be home bound and have health problems that prevent them from cooking. The council only pays for meals for people over the age of 60.

Jan and Howard Lathrop say the Meals on Wheels program is a celebration that is announced through the blowing of a horn by their delivery person, Brenda.

"We never know what the meal will be, but Monday and Friday is a surprise and we look forward to each day," Jan said. "We never thought we would need outside help. But we are thankful for all the generous people who give to Meals on Wheels to help the disabled and less fortunate."

In addition to the meal, Jan says every two weeks a lady named Gracie comes to clean the bathroom and mop the kitchen floor and vacuum.

"She is like a little missionary," Jan said. "We can't drive and she will buy what we need. It means a lot to us."

Lillie Hall, 82, has received meals for the past two years.

"I don't know how I would get by without them," she said, noting arthritis in her legs and arms have made it difficult to move around. "It is a blessing to me and the people who bring it are a blessing too. They talk to us and tell us how pretty we are. That amounts to something too. They ask you, 'How are you?' and 'How are you doing today?'"

T&D Staff Writer Gene Zaleski can be reached by e-mail at gzaleski@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5551.

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