Tom Abbott, 74, of Jamestown is a Navy veteran who lost his leg at the knee from an infection.

For the last 17 years, he has relied on help from the Chautauqua County Senior Nutrition Program, delivered by Jamestown Meals on Wheels.

"Somebody recommended Meals on Wheels, and I was like, ‘what?’” Abbott said. “It's new to me when I moved back to Jamestown. I've been happy ever since.”

For the last 50 years, the program has partnered with what is now UPMC Jones Hill, where staff uses the kitchen there to prepare the meals served across southern and central Chautauqua County.

Barrie Yochim, executive director for Jamestown Meals on Wheels, says there are 15 different delivery routes with about four to 10 people on each one, led primarily by volunteers.

"We treat the relationship with UPMC as really critical, really special for us and the community," Yochim said.

Inside the cooler, there are both hot microwaveable entrees and cold meals, as the need for the service is greater than ever not only through the holiday season, but amid the pandemic as well.

"I am very proud of the fact that we are not only delivering meals in a healthy way, we're delivering them in a way that is safe, that allows our clients to be proud of what they receive,” Yochim said. “And they remain happy and healthy in their own homes.”

Tom is on Barrie's route and made a stop at his house to not only deliver his meals. But to socialize as well.

Tom then takes his food and makes his way into the kitchen to put the dinner tray in the fridge, then tears into the lunch tray and separates the items.

"Yeah, I have to do shopping as it is,” Abbott said. “But getting food and stuff like that and cooking it and stuff like that. Ever try to hop around a kitchen on one leg? Like I said, if it wasn't for Meals on Wheels, I would have a lot more problems than I've got. So I'm very, very thankful."

Tom is equally thankful Barrie does more than just deliver meals, he also brushes the snow off Tom's car.