Pocket Life
By Corky Mau
December 2025
Full Plates
Meals on Wheels gives seniors more than food
In 2010, Pocket nonprofit ACC Senior Services took over Meals on Wheels nutritional services from Sacramento County. Since then, the program has served about 7 million meals to 4,000 seniors.
Taking advantage of our farm-adjacent community, Meals on Wheels runs a Fresh Produce Program. Last year, seniors enjoyed almost 10,000 pounds of fruit and vegetables from nearby farmers.
Meals on Wheels’ farm-to-fork philosophy means seniors get meals from local restaurants, including Brick House, Drewski’s and Sae Jong Teriyaki.
The service provides more than fresh produce and restaurant-quality meals. The Animeals Program gives pet food to seniors with dogs and cats. Local nursing students visit seniors and help with wellness checks. During the holiday season, Meals on Wheels distributes gifts through the Warm Wishes Project.
Executive Director Mindy Klick arrived last year with experience in the hospitality and senior living industries. “I inherited great staff and a dedicated board of directors,” she says. “We work well together and have a sound strategic plan that meets the changing needs of our seniors.”
She adds, “Our 315 volunteers are the heart of our efforts. They deliver meals, do wellness checks, staff our 15 Community Cafes, and help with special events and projects.”
Debbe Bowles has delivered meals in Arden and Mission Oaks for four years. “I enjoy bringing a listening ear and a smile to someone who possibly hasn’t seen another human all day or week,” she says.
Shirley Johnson brings meals to Pocket residents. “Our seniors are so joyful and fun,” says Johnson, a 10-year volunteer. “One of my favorite memories was a woman who matched our names to movie stars. Of course, she associated me with Shirley Temple.”
Meals on Wheels gets support from government and private foundation grants, corporate and private donors, and fundraising.
“Our seniors are grateful for everyone’s help,” Klick says. “Seventy percent of our participants are between 70 and 85 years and almost half live alone in their home. The connections we make are priceless.”
For information on joining Meals on Wheels, visit mowsac.org or call (916) 444-9533.
CANAL LIGHTS
Join the annual “Hang the Lights” party Saturday, Dec. 6. Meet friends and neighbors for a fun morning starting at 10 a.m. in Portuguese Park. For signups or questions, email pocketlightsvolunteers@gmail.com.
A lighting ceremony will be held Sunday, Dec. 7, at 4 p.m. in Portuguese Park. To make a tax-deductible donation for more lights, visit tinyurl.com/pocket-canal-holiday-lights. Let’s light the canal!
BOOK SALE
Holiday books, movies and puzzles make great gifts for kids of all ages. Find bargains at Pocket-Greenhaven Library’s bookstore sale Dec. 3–24.
BLOOD DRIVE
American Red Cross holds a blood drive at Pocket-Greenhaven Library on Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information, visit redcrossblood.org.
TOY DRIVE
Greenhaven Soccer Club holds a holiday toy drive Saturday, Dec. 13, from 2–4 p.m. at the School of Engineering and Sciences. This community event brings together more than 30 local businesses and organizations with one goal: to give local families a more joyous holiday season. For information, email theghsc@gmail.com.
PIÑATA PARTY
On Saturday, Dec.13, children over the age of 6 can join Patty Botello at Pocket-Greenhaven Library to make their own pinata. Free activities start at 3 p.m. with the party limited to the first 50 attendees.
NEW YEAR’S EVE
Ring in 2026 at Elks Lodge No. 6 Wednesday, Dec. 31. For $80 per person, enjoy a prime rib dinner, champagne and music by Innersoul. Festivities start at 5:30 p.m. Call (916) 422-6666 for tickets.
Corky Mau can be reached at corky.sue50@gmail.com. Submissions are due six weeks prior to the publication month. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @insidesacramento.
