When Meals on Wheels LaPorte County signed up for this year’s Sand Sculpture Festival along the shores of Lake Michigan, the team knew exactly what they wanted to build: an America-themed sculpture celebrating 250 years of independence, community, and caring for one another.
Staff members, board volunteers, and longtime delivery drivers gathered on the beach early that Saturday morning, armed with buckets, shovels, spray bottles, and a rough sketch on the back of a napkin. What started as a pile of wet sand slowly took shape over several hours — stars, stripes, and a hand-carved tribute to the communities that make programs like Meals on Wheels possible across the country.
The Sand Sculpture Festival draws thousands of spectators to the lakeshore every summer, making it one of the most visible community events in the region. For organizations like Meals on Wheels, that kind of foot traffic is invaluable. Curious families stopped to watch the team sculpt, asked about the logo on their matching t-shirts, and walked away with a deeper understanding of what Meals on Wheels actually does — and how they can help.
“People think we just drop off food. Events like this let us show the full picture — the wellness checks, the companionship, the peace of mind for families. And honestly, spending a day on the beach with the people you work alongside every day? That’s good for the soul too.”
Amanda Fowler, Assistant Director
Beyond the awareness, events like the festival serve another purpose: they bring the team closer together. The kitchen staff, the office team, and the volunteers who normally see each other only in passing during the morning rush get a chance to work side by side on something creative and fun. That camaraderie carries over into the daily work — it’s hard to feel like just a cog in a machine when you’ve spent a Saturday laughing and building sandcastles together.
Meals on Wheels LaPorte County participates in community events throughout the year — from parades and festivals to grant presentations and fundraising galas. Each one is a chance to spread the word, recruit new supporters, and remind LaPorte County that no senior should go hungry or forgotten. Interested in joining the team? Learn about volunteer opportunities and find out how you can make a difference.
