Soup for Seniors thousands of cans short

An annual event to feed senior citizens in need is not getting off to a good start, and organizers are asking for your help.

The Local Office On Aging out of Roanoke has already begun its annual “Soup for Seniors” event which began October 1st and will be completed by Oct. 24 –National Make a Difference Day.

As the soup and crackers slowly pile up, the program coordinator, Barbara James, says progress is too slow.  On Friday, James said they have a goal to get in 35,000 cans of soup and 5,000 boxes of crackers. However, at last count, they had only received 750 cans of soup and 70 boxes of crackers.

They want to feed 3,000 seniors citizens by putting in 12 cans of soup per bag. With the numbers they have now, they would only be able to feed about 63 people. The program supports senior citizens all over the Roanoke Valley and as far as Alleghany County and Covington.

“We are desperate,” James said.

James said most of the food in the past two years came from churches, schools, and mostly individuals. She isn’t sure if the low turnout is because of the economy or if people are just slow to get the food turned in to the volunteers. She doesn’t want to take a chance –she wants to make sure people know about the event.

“Soup for Seniors” also helps people like Joseph Moody.

“You can sit down in the lobby and a lot of folks will be counting the days. These people who donated- we appreciate them very much,” Moody said.

The biggest supporters have been hit hard by the economy. 

“Ukrops has been a big contributor and partner the first two years, and this year since they are leaving our community, they are not able to help us,” James explained. She said they got no food from the store, but Ukrops was able to donate some bags for the event.

Volunteers are faxing “Soup for Seniors” flyers to other companies and organizations asking for help.

“My wife stays sick a lot. That soup helps her a great deal,” said Moody.

The event also saves the senior citizens money that can be used for other things like medication and utility bills. Moody said the bag of food can last him a couple months.

“I hope everybody continues giving to the people. I wish I was able to, I’d donate,” Moody said.

James said the deliveries are planned to begin in the latter part of next week.

If you want to help out and make donations, just call 540-985-9600.