The Shinnston News & Harrison County Journal has named Annette Swiger as January’s Citizen of the Month, a program sponsored by Dorsey Funeral Home in Shinnston – locally owned & operated.
By TRINA RUNNER
News & Journal Staff Writer
As you wrap up your leftovers this evening, think about this statistic: one in six Americans go hungry every day. Many of those are elderly people or those who simply cannot cook for themselves. That’s where Annette Swiger comes in. Following a calling to get involved with a ministry through Jewel City Church, Swiger found that Meals on Wheels was the perfect opportunity to help others while providing a vital need.The Bi-County Nutrition Center serves hundreds of people all over Harrison County with the Meals on Wheels program. Volunteers serve at least five meals a week to those who are unable to cook their own meals, are 60 years old and older, and who are homebound due to illness. The Meals on Wheels Association of America is the oldest and largest national organization composed of and representing local, community-based Senior Nutrition Programs in all 50 states. With over 5,000 programs in the United States, they provide over a million meals a day for those in need.“Initially, I thought serving meals would be a blessing to those who receive them. Of course, the people are all very appreciative and the staff is wonderful to work with, but the surprising thing is what a blessing the experience has been for me personally,” Annette said. “I could never have imagined how many lives have been touched and how many friends I have made in the twelve years I have been with Meals on Wheels.”The route only takes about two hours to complete and volunteers are always needed. “The program has truly changed my life,” adds Swiger.
She also works with the youth ministry at her church as well as greeting parishioners as they enter church. She and her husband Greg, residents of Lumberport, own Four Seasons Heating and Cooling. Her dedication to following her calling has resulted in 12 years of meal deliveries for local citizens and she hopes to inspire new volunteers to become involved in the Meals on Wheels program. “It is easy, fun and so beneficial to those who need the service,” she concluded.
