Clarification

To the Editor:

I would like the opportunity to correct a piece of misinformation printed in Jim Baumgart’s article Tuesday, Oct. 13, in The Review and Wednesday, Oct. 21, Beacon. The title of this article was “Stimulus money aids Meals On Wheels.” This title implies that Meals On Wheels, which is a private nonprofit agency, directly benefits from the stimulus package. This is not accurate.

The focus of Jim’s article was the county-run meal sites, which do benefit from stimulus money. They are publicly run and paid for through the Department of Human Services.

Meals On Wheels is a separate entity, which is supported by the generosity of area United Way agencies, the Festival of Trees, philanthropic foundations and good old-fashioned donors. We also receive money from our major fundraiser, Love Bowls.

However, some of our clientele do receive support through the Aging and Disabilities Resource Center, which is where the confusion enters this story. They are a government agency, and they are receiving stimulus dollars.

I am grateful to Jim for bringing media attention to our well-deserving seniors who have helped build the strong communities that we have inherited. They have spent a lifetime paying into this system, and should receive some benefit from the stimulus package.

Paula Kletzien, communications director, Meals On Wheels of Sheboygan County, Inc.