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Serving our community is important to us, that’s why the Lansing Board of Water & Light has multiple opportunities to get involved and give back. Many employees volunteer with programs like the Greater Lansing Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Junior Achievement, Ingham County Health Department’s Recycle Rama, the Red Cross and more. One of the BWL’s longest standing volunteer partnerships is with Tri-County's Meals on Wheels (MOW).  

For over 30 years, BWL has partnered with Meals on Wheels to bring warm, cold or frozen, nutritious meals to seniors who need it in the Greater Lansing area. Meals on Wheels was designed to help seniors keep their independence for longer by helping to meet their basic needs, allowing them to stay in their own homes. It can also provide short-term assistance to older adults who may be recovering from surgery and would benefit from the extra help. Beyond the meals delivered, our employees are able to meet our customers where they’re at in every interaction to help brighten their day. This effort embodies our slogan of “Hometown People, Hometown Power.” 

Currently, BWL has 19 employees who volunteer every month to deliver meals to those in the Greater Lansing community. Volunteers are able to participate as much as their schedule allows, up to weekly. This gives our employees a chance to not only give back to our customers but also feel as though they’re making a difference in the community we serve.   

When we asked our volunteers what they appreciated most about the program and opportunity to serve, Steve Schuler, BWL Joint Use Administrator, a 20-year volunteer said, “Giving back to the community, even in what may seem like a small token to some, means a great deal to the recipients of our time and effort. This interaction between fellow citizens of our area helps all of us stay grounded and realize how fortunate we are to be able to help those around us.”  

Brad Pingle, Management of Change Specialist, said, “Meals on Wheels is important as it binds the community in multiple ways – those in need receive nourishment right to their door while establishing a connection to those delivering. Having a resource looking out for you despite daily responsibilities speaks to the selflessness of volunteers.” 

Not only are our employees helping those in need, but we’re able to create a relationship with the folks they deliver to each month.  

To learn more about the program and eligibility requirements to receive meals, please visit https://tcoa.org/service/nutrition/meals-on-wheels/.