At 100 years young, Ms. Helms is Nourish Up’s oldest Meals on Wheels recipient, and she has quite a story to tell.

She joined the program about two years ago after her niece, Ms. Hoffman, shared how much Meals on Wheels had meant to her and her husband, especially while caring for him as he lives with Alzheimer’s. At the time, Ms. Helms wasn’t quite sure what to expect.

Two years later, she can’t say enough about the program and the people who make it possible. She enjoys calling the office to chat with our friendly staff and looks forward to seeing the volunteers who deliver her meals each day.

Because of mobility challenges, Ms. Helms receives her meals at the back door on the lower level of her home. She’s even worked out a clever system with her volunteer drivers. She leaves plastic bags outside so they can place her meal inside one, allowing her to carry it on her arm while using her walker without having to worry about dropping her meal.

It’s a simple but meaningful example of the care and connection that make Meals on Wheels so special.

So, when we learned Ms. Helms was approaching a remarkable milestone—her 100th birthday—we knew we had to celebrate!

We called to make sure she would be home and let her know we’d love to stop by for a birthday visit. She was overjoyed and surprised that we wanted to do something special for her. She happily agreed, but had one condition: no pictures. “I haven’t taken a picture in years,” she told us.

Of course, we respected her wishes!

We also checked with her son to make sure we wouldn’t be interrupting any family plans. He shared that his mom doesn’t get out much these days, aside from spending time in her backyard, and assured us she would love the visit.

And he was right.

When we arrived with her meal, flowers, a few goodies, and, most importantly, a birthday cake, Ms. Helms was all smiles.

She welcomed us in and spent time sharing just how much Meals on Wheels means to her. She talked about how much she appreciates the meals and the people who deliver them. And when we asked about her favorite meal, she didn’t hesitate: our meatloaf!

Throughout our visit, Ms. Helms expressed her gratitude for the volunteers who show up at her door each day. She recognizes that they give not only their time but also their own resources to make deliveries possible, including the cost of gas.

It’s clear that these daily visits mean so much more to her than simply receiving a meal.

And what about the secret to living to 100?

Ms. Helms didn’t give us one, but she did share something remarkable. Two of her siblings lived to be 101 and 102, making her the third centenarian in her family!

Maybe the secret is living a joyful life. Maybe it’s being as sweet, kind, and compassionate as Ms. Helms. Or maybe it really is just good genes!

Whatever the secret, we’re grateful to have shared in this special milestone and to be a small part of Ms. Helms’ incredible story.

Because Meals on Wheels has always been about more than delivering a meal. It’s about the familiar faces, friendly conversations, and meaningful connections that brighten someone’s day.

For Ms. Helms, those connections have become part of her daily life. And for our volunteers, every delivery is another opportunity to nourish our neighbors with food and compassion.

Happy 100th Birthday, Ms. Helms!