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Senior and puppy receive a special surprise from Meals-on-Wheels in Barrio Logan

“When I hear Meals-on-Wheels coming, I say yippee or good I don't have to worry,” said Danette Marmolejo.

SAN DIEGO — Meals on Wheels is trading in its delivery van for a sleigh. Meals on Wheels' CEO suited up as Santa to surprise a senior and her new puppy in Barrio Logan on Monday.

When Danette Marmolejo kept leaving the stove on, her daughter encouraged her to use Meals-on-Wheels. Now each week she gets a meal and so does her four-month-old dog, Lucy.

But this week she got a special delivery.

When Marmolejo heard the knock at the door, she was surprised to see the Meals-on-Wheels CEO and President at the door dressed in a Santa suit.

“Oh my gosh you are going to make me cry,” said Marmolejo.

Marmolejo says her daughter and family visit her often but a small hand-made card from a neighborhood child, a squeaky toy for Lucy, and a warm meal are making a big impact on seniors.

“To be a senior and have someone that would care about us is beyond the moon to me,” said Marmolejo.

She and Lucy started relying on Meals-on-Wheels this year. The non-profit serves 1,800 clients each day, and their pets get food too.

“When I hear Meals-on-Wheels coming, I say yippee or good I don't have to worry,” said Marmolejo.

Meals-on-Wheels says one in 10 seniors in San Diego experience hunger and nearly half live alone.

“I think I'm going to live a lot longer because I eat much better," said Marmolejo.

During the visit, volunteers also do wellness checks.

“Santa is here to rock and Lucy you are making my job easier and today,” said Brent Wakefield, Meals-on-Wheels of San Diego County, President and CEO.

It's more than just the meals that the 3,000 volunteers deliver each year.

“The holiday for all of us means, families and memories and it's nice to be remembered and have special gifts,” said Wakefield.

Meals-on-Wheels also delivers a gift of friendship wrapped in gratitude.

“I can't even talk, except Merry Christmas,” said Marmolejo.

If you would like to help or learn more about Meals-on-Wheels, click here.

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