We Deliver Smiles

Jane & Joan King

The “King Sisters,” as they’re known around Tabernacle Presbyterian Church, find community and companionship in the Meals on Wheels volunteer experience.

Every week, the sisters-in-law pick up meals at Marquette Manor to deliver to homebound elderly and disabled in an area comprising 30 blocks between Meridian and Michigan Streets. They trade off -- one week Jane drives and Joan goes to the doors with the meals. The next week they do it in reverse. And always, after they’re done delivering their route, they share a Market Fresh sandwich at Arby’s.

It wasn’t always just the sisters.

Joan (pronounced, “Jo-ann”) started delivering meals with her husband in 1998, after some friends who delivered meals took them along on a route. “We really liked what we saw,” said Joan. “Malcolm, my husband, thought the program was very well managed. It had a good reputation.”

Jane began four years ago, following the death of her husband, Bob, who was Malcolm’s brother. Malcolm had passed away just months before Bob. The women, who had always been close, naturally turned to one another for support. Team-delivering meals followed.

Both women, now in their 80s, say the area they deliver in is very diverse. Driving through the different neighborhoods can be interesting. They recall one of their favorite clients, a 90 year-old woman who “Likes to hug us and tell us we’re sweet,” said Jane. “She tells us we’re precious and so beautiful to her,” adds Joan.

“Doing this makes you more compassionate, particularly with people who have handicaps. And many of the clients have some kind of handicap,” said Joan.

Fellow parishioners at Tabernacle who attend Bible study with Jane and Joan are well aware of the King Sisters’ volunteer efforts. “We’re always rushing off to deliver,” said Joan.

Matthew Kauffman, Minister of Music and Executive Administrator at the church, said, “Let me tell you why they’re good. They’re dependable and willing. They’re not just dropping off the meals. They have a servant’s heart.”

The sisters blushed a bit when he said it, testifying, albeit unwittingly, to their devotion to service. The King Sisters wear their hearts on their sleeves.

For further details, please contact us at 317.633.6325, or by e-mail at info@mealsonwheelsindy.org.

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