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MEOC
Walkathon Sets Record—Community Raises Over $158,000 in Annual Event
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Getting
ready for the celebration picnic that follows the annual MEOC Walkathon are
Scott County residents (from left) Ray Fields, Inez Fields, both of Gate City;
Edith Mays of Nickelsville and Linda Gannaway, also of Gate City.
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In addition to the individual walkers who participated, eighteen
community sponsors donated or raised $5,000 each for the annual walkathon. Those included AARP of Virginia, Alpha Natural Resources,
Applebee’s of Norton, Friendship Ambulance, Heritage Hall of Big Stone Gap,
Humphreys Enterprises, Lee Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Lee Regional
Medical Center, Mountain Empire Older Citizens, Norton City Schools, Old
Dominion Power Company, Trinity Life Center Church, United Way of Wise County, Verizon, Wellmont Lonesome Pine Hospital, Wise County Board of Supervisors,
Wolfe, Williams & Rutherford Law Office, and one sponsor who wishes to
remain anonymous. Following the walk, United Health Care and Southwest Insurance
Agency joined the team as co-sponsors of this year’s event. This brought the
total to nineteen community
sponsors. |
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Dine
Mullins of Coeburn and Jane Bailey of Nickelsville always show their support for
Mountain Empire Older Citizens by participating in the annual Walkathon. They
are pictured following the conclusion of the walk during the celebration picnic.
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Ida
Bevins, the event’s oldest participant, pauses for a photo with, left to
right, granddaughter Suzi Mullins of Norton and great-grandson Derek Greear,
granddaughter Rhonda Greear and granddaughter Melissa Bevins, all of Coeburn. In
front is great-granddaughter Serenity Mullins of Norton.
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Every cent raised for the Emergency Fuel Fund for the Elderly is spent to
help people 60 years of age or older with home heating needs. Payments are made
directly to the heating vendor. The Emergency Fuel Fund begins operation October
1 and ends the following March 31st. |
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Flag Pond
Church of Blackwater was well represented at the 2007 Mountain Empire Older
Citizens’ Walkathon in support of the Emergency Fuel Fund for the Elderly.
Pictured are (left to right) Dwayne Barnett, Michael Collins, Candy Collins, Nettie Barnett, Patricia Barnett, Delmo Jesse, Ann Jesse, Jean Rhoton and
Mildred Gilliam. Pictured in the front row wagon displaying the church’s
design on the back of his t-shirt is
Taylor Collins.
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Words cannot truly express what it means to have such wonderful community
support in raising money for the Emergency Fuel Fund for the Elderly. Because of
the highly successful walkathon, MEOC can face the winter months knowing that we
will be able to respond quickly to all elderly people trapped in weather related
emergencies. On behalf of the
elderly in our community, thank you for your assistance with the 31st
Annual Walkathon on May 6, 2007. Make plans now to join us at the May, 2008
Walkathon—an Appalachian Tradition. |
MEOC
Emergency Fuel Fund
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