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Meals On Wheels Honors WWII Veteran In Oceanside

Meals on Wheels San Diego CEO Brent Wakefield gives WWII Veteran Edward Kruck a meal on Veterans Day outside his home in Oceanside. November 11, 2020.
Nicholas McVicker
Meals on Wheels San Diego CEO Brent Wakefield gives WWII Veteran Edward Kruck a meal on Veterans Day outside his home in Oceanside. November 11, 2020.

Meals on Wheels San Diego has provided meals and helped to combat loneliness to homebound seniors for the last 60 years.

On Veterans Day, the organization made a special delivery to honor Oceanside veteran, Edward Kruck, and to thank him for his service.

Meals On Wheels Honors WWII Veteran In Oceanside
Listen to this story by Tania Thorne.

Kruck served with the Navy Air Corp in WWII. He and his wife became clients of Meals on Wheels in 2010 before her passing in 2013.

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A framed photo of WWII veteran Edward Kruck sits next to his military badges and medals at his home in Oceanside. Kruck was honored by Meals on Wheels San Diego on Veterans Day. Nov. 11, 2020.
Nicholas McVicker
A framed photo of WWII veteran Edward Kruck sits next to his military badges and medals at his home in Oceanside. Kruck was honored by Meals on Wheels San Diego on Veterans Day. Nov. 11, 2020.

“It's a Godsent for me. My wife passed away quite a while ago and I was in this big house by myself with my dog,” said Kruck of the Meals on Wheels service.

Aside from providing him meals, Kruck says the service provides him company he looks forward to receiving, as well as a wellness check.

“They go all out to make sure you're safe and in good condition, not laying somewhere,” he said.

VIDEO: San Diego Meals On Wheels Honor WWII Veteran

Since the pandemic, CEO of Meals on Wheels San Diego Brent Wakefield said their clientele base has increased about 40% and volunteers are needed more than ever.

“We’re an extra set of eyes. We're an extra set of ears and also a smile everyday that our volunteers bring,” said Wakefield.

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The need for social distancing has left many homebound seniors vulnerable to isolation and major illnesses. Wakefield said lives are saved nearly every week because a volunteer called the proper emergency personnel for someone who has fallen, had a stroke or simply needs additional resources.

With the increase in clients, Wakefield says Meals on Wheels San Diego is in need of volunteers and donations. If interested in participating visit their website or call 800.5.SENIOR.

Corrected: March 28, 2024 at 6:12 PM PDT
This story was produced with support from the Economic Hardship Reporting Project.
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