Mr. Arther loves sitting on his porch, and that’s where his Meals on Wheels delivery drivers find him waiting for their arrival most days. He’s not a man of many words, but he is so very grateful for the people that bring him a meal each day.
“I really enjoy the food. It helps a lot because I don’t have to worry about cooking,” shares Mr. Arther. Rubbing his belly, he says, “Everything is delicious!”
He’s on his own most of the time, especially during the day. His daughter Karen is there when she can be, but a new job is keeping her very busy, so Mr. Arther enjoys the views from his porch and loves going on walks.
His first wife, with whom he had 3 daughters, passed away many years ago, and he was delighted to fall in love again with a lady named Isabel, who grew up in Remley’s Point. When he retired from a nearly 50-year career with General Corrugated Machinery, Isabel’s only wish was to move back from New York to her hometown.
And so it was, that in 2009, Mr. Arther and Isabel built a house in Mount Pleasant. Though she passed away a few years ago, he is determined to honor her memory by keeping their home exactly as it was, including many pictures of two people who inspired her—Martin Luther King, Jr. and Barack Obama. “I honor her and celebrate them for her,” Mr. Arther shares.
Growing up in Rocky Point North Carolina, Mr. Arther remembers being a Boy Scout, playing baseball & basketball, and graduating high school. He had 6 sisters and 2 brothers. During his long career, he lived in Brooklyn, Long Island, and even Manhattan.
Six months ago, his neighbors, who are also Meals on Wheels recipients, suggested that the daily meal delivery and visit might be helpful. Mr. Arther is glad he gave it a try. “I like the visits, even though they are quick. We talk about the weather or upcoming holidays, and it’s a very nice group of volunteers.”
Favorite Meal: Red Beans & Rice
Favorite Color: Green
Meals on Wheels in One Word: Delicious
The local nonprofit serves almost 300 recipients daily, who currently range in age from 35-98. Now through December 31, 2019, donations of $100 or more will be matched by several local partners, including:
- Carroll Limited Partnership up to $1,000 of Isle of Palms donations
- Feed The Need up to $10,000 of Mt. Pleasant donations
- Daniel Island Community Fund up to $5,000 of Daniel Island donations
- Edward and Sallie Pritchard up to $2,000 of Sullivan’s Island donations
During the holiday season, the organization works especially hard to ensure that no homebound neighbor is forgotten or hungry. East Cooper Meals on Wheels serves anyone who is homebound and cannot prepare a meal, including people of any age and any income level. Because the organization is 100% funded through community support, contributions ensure that the organization can continue its mission of delivering more than a meal to residents of Daniel Island, Mt. Pleasant, Sullivan’s Island, Isle of Palms, Cainhoy, and Wando. There is never a waiting list and never a charge for meals. Anyone can refer a friend, family member, neighbor, or themselves to begin receiving meals—call 843.881.9350, email rhamilton@ecmow.org, or visit www.ecmow.org.