CITY OF WYLIE by Amber Hamilton
Service to the Community - It’s More than a Job City of Wylie employees take pride in serving the community every day, and that spirit of service takes on special meaning during the holiday season. In September, city departments were given the opportunity to make "Harvest Boxes" through the Collin County Meals on Wheels program. The boxes, similar in size to a case of printer paper, are filled with non-perishable food items, like canned meats and veggies, simple cleaning products, toiletries, and extras such as dried fruit, postage stamps, or large print puzzle books. Multiple departments answered the call, purchased the requested items, and added a loving touch by decorating the outside of the boxes with fall decor, bows, and wrapping paper. City staff completed seven Harvest Boxes. “Partnering with Meals on Wheels is a great thing for City of Wylie staff,” said Nelda Timmons, a city employee. “With it being put on hold last year because of COVID, we were all eager to come back in 2021 to serve the organization and deliver some joy to those in need.” Timmons added that staff has a good time working together to create the boxes, but the reward comes from delivering the packages to seniors who are often isolated. “We see the same residents every year, and they are always happy to receive a box. It gives us the chance to show our faces in the community and let them know they aren’t alone.”
employees served weekly every Friday taking hot meals and a weekend packet to many Wylie seniors. Asst. City Manager Renae Ollie, who also has a passion for service, encourages employees to get involved. “Being involved goes beyond a face in an office at City Hall. It means you’re not just here to collect a paycheck and that you are vested in the community. Even if you don’t live here, you can care here.” Ollie is currently the vice president of North Texas Women Leading Government, a board member for Collin County Habitat for Humanity and the Wylie Education Foundation, and is involved with the Wylie Eastfork Rotary Club. “Volunteering is not only rewarding to others, but it’s rewarding for me,” said Ollie. “I have a passion for serving, and what better place to serve than in my community.” Meals on Wheels is a national non-profit that focuses on senior hunger and isolation. Go to mealsonwheelscc.org, the Collin County chapter, and see how you can get involved and “give hope to those seniors in isolation through the smiles of each volunteer.”
Serving with Meals on Wheels is not new to Wylie employees. Before COVID, which changed the delivery process, 10
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