Meals on Wheels

     Whenever there is a prolonged emergency providing nourishment for the personnel on the scene can be a problem.  In our region we are privileged to have that concern handled by a dedicated group of volunteers who respond 24 hours a day with food and drink. 

     The North Penn Goodwill Service was established in 1949 to go to the scene of an emergency, be it a fire, natural disaster, police incident or community event, as they have done faithfully for over 60 years.  Their first piece of mobile equipment was a "semi-retired" 1934 school bus donated by Hagey's Bus Service.  It was outfitted with used equipment for preparing meals and responded to the first call on July 15, 1949 before the organization had acquired license plates for it.  To avoid any potential legal problems it was driven to the scene by Souderton Police Chief Paul Hunsberger.

     As time went on and the need continued to grow used transit buses from North Carolina and Cincinnati were purchased and placed into service to respond to the call from wherever it may come.  In 1972 the call for help came from Pottstown in the aftermath of Hurricane Agnes and the NPGS was there 24 hours a day for ten straight days.

     The "Coffee Wagon" volunteers rely on donations from area companies to stock their freezers, but there was a time when they also benefited from contributions from the state game wardens who would drop off recent road kills.  On a cold winter night at a building fire it was a treat to warm up with some venison stew!  Or on a summer afternoon to chow down on a "Bambi burger."  Unfortunately those meals are no longer on the menu.

     Currently the rolling stock at Station 41 is composed of modern step vans that provide comfortable working conditions for the cooks and maneuverability for the drivers.  Included among their vehicles is a relief wagon that is equipped with sanitary disposal facilities as well as a warming station.

     Last weekend the Goodwill Service served Hatfield hot dogs and Wawa juice drinks at the annual 5th Fire District's Water Battle in Souderton.