The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for many people and organizations, among them Millersville Area Meals on Wheels (MAMOW). Located at 121 N. George St., Millersville, MAMOW was founded in 1988 with the mission of delivering meals to people who live in the Penn Manor School District and are temporarily or permanently ill or handicapped, are elderly and living alone or homebound, or are convalescing.

Due to the pandemic and the rising cost of food, MAMOW was unable to host its pancake breakfast fundraiser, which helps the organization offset the costs for home-delivered meals to its clients. After brainstorming ways to raise funds and increase food donations, Joanne DeRenzis, executive director of MAMOW, decided to set up a giving tree.

The giving tree, which can be found inside MAMOW, is decorated with handmade ornaments from volunteers at Excentia Human Services, a nonprofit organization in Lancaster County that assists people with developmental needs and autism. The ornaments are labeled with either a requested gift card or food item that a person will purchase and donate to MAMOW in one of the bins under the giving tree. Some of the items listed on the ornaments are sugar, flour, canola oil, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, spaghetti sauce, boxed pasta, and saltine crackers, as well as gift cards to John Herr's, BJ's, and Giant.

MAMOW is also selling Gertrude Hawk chocolate bars as well as handmade cards. The proceeds from these sales will go to clients who are unable to pay for their meals. Currently, MAMOW serves about 60 clients.

"It's been really tough on us through the pandemic with the high cost of food," said DeRenzis. "I think our clients are really in need right now, too. (MAMOW) is a good way to keep them in their homes and keep them fed."

Anyone who is interested in volunteering or is in need of meals for a loved one may call 717-872-2415 or email office@mamow.org. The office is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon. For complete information about MAMOW, visit https://mamow.org/.

"We are a good service to the community; people rely on us," said DeRenzis. "I've made a lot of friends through the years. We're like a family."