Nov. 5 lunch to benefit MEOC’s Fuel Fund 

An upcoming event in Big Stone Gap offers a chance to help a worthy local cause and get a good meal too.

Operation Food for Fuel Soup Bean Lunch is set for Nov. 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Heritage Church of God, 775 Wood Ave. E., Big Stone Gap. Lunch tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at the event. Proceeds will benefit Mountain Empire Older Citizens’ Emergency Fuel Fund. For more than four decades, the program has helped low-income seniors in Lee, Scott and Wise counties and the City of Norton with cold-weather heating expenses. The program is a perfect example of neighbors helping neighbors.

MEOC Emergency Services Director Marsha Craiger encourages the community to take part in the event. “We have so many older neighbors in our communities that struggle to make ends meet. Every little bit helps,” she noted.

The fuel fund annually helps around 1,000 people. To qualify, you must be at least age 60 with an income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level. Assistance is available to pay electric bills or purchase propane, heating oil, wood and coal.

MEOC will provide transportation to the Nov. 5 lunch if requested. Meal delivery is also available for local businesses. Place orders by Friday, Nov. 1 by calling MEOC at (276) 523-4202.

However, if you can’t attend, you can still help. Donations of any amount are always welcome. Checks should be made payable to MEOC Fuel Fund and mailed to PO Box 888, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219.

This year’s lunch is in memory of Julia Dillon, long-time Family Support Services Director at MEOC.

For more information about the lunch or MEOC’s Emergency Fuel Fund, contact Craiger at (276) 523-4202 or mcraiger@meoc.org.

 Provided by Mountain Empire Older Citizens