OPD delivers meals not warrants

Angela Lockard, director of the Olney Senior Cub Center [OSCC], and Olney Police Chief Dan Birbeck recently teamed up to make sure Olney’s Senior Cubs who participated in the Meals on Wheels program did not miss their lunches due to a temporary shortage of volunteers.

Lockard was the brains behind the idea of having the Olney Police officers fill in,delivering meals and checking on seniors. Chief Birbeck provided the manpower and name for the collaboration, Meals Not Warrants.

Lockard gave insight into the program’s need for temporary fill-ins: “Volunteer opportunities in delivering meals for the Cub Center are usually short notice. A route takes less than an hour between 10:30 and 11:30. If you’re interested in being placed on a volunteer delivery list, please contact Angela at 940-564-2782.” For more information on how to be placed in the Meals on Wheels program, call the number above.

Chief Birbeck had input about the program: “Meals on Wheels program is a needed asset in our community. It helps our people that are struggling and need a source of food so it’s a great service that they provide to our community. It was an honor to be called and asked to help. Obviously, we would step up and help get food to those that need it and we just felt like it was a good cause. So, we offered our time and resources to be able to do it.” Chief Birbeck says he coined ‘Meals Not Warrants’ during a Meals on Wheels delivery with Officer Dustin Hudson. While talking with a senior community member receiving a meal, Chief Birbeck jokingly said, “Hey we are serving meals not warrants.” Officer Hudson remarked on the catchy phrase, and it stuck. “I just think that this is a great program and that the community needs to support it. It gives you a whole new perspective when you’re delivering and visiting with the folks that truly need the service. So, after yesterday’s experience, it was an honor to be asked to do it and we’ll be here for them (Senior Cub Center) in the future if they need help.”