An anonymous donation to the Copper Shores Meals on Wheels program provides reliable transportation for drivers.
Meals on Wheels worked with the donor to determine how the funds would make the largest impact on how the program operates. Landing on purchasing three 2018 Ford Escape vehicles. Program Director Jessica Mills says the new transportation will greatly support drivers, especially as the cost of maintaining a reliable vehicle rises.
“So we have all three fleet vehicles out in the community. We have one that goes up to the Calumet area, one that we’re using as drivers need it based on their car availability and needing to get them fixed or just not being safe in the certain type of weather we’re having. And we have one that our kitchen staff is able to use to be able to go to the stores and back or to have for another driver to go out and about,” Mills said.
Mills says drivers will average between 30 and 70 miles a day on a single route. Northern routes tend to travel further distances. The three Ford Escape vehicles are all-wheel drive and equipped with winter tires for more traction. Additionally, Copper Shores sought to keep the donation in the community by using local businesses, including Keweenaw Chevrolet and Industrial Graphics.
