Try to remember what you had for dinner last Tuesday. Drawing a blank? Don’t worry, this isn’t a memory test but rather a way to say that ending each day with a meal is something we all can take for granted.

It’s much easier to recall past holiday get-togethers that were meaningful not only because of the food but the love you received. Those moments stand out because they keep you going.

That is the special feeling you share when you contribute to Meals on Wheels People’s Donate Dinner campaign this November; every meal takes on that much more meaning when you’re an older adult, living alone without a support system in place. Without a full belly and the warmth of loved ones to keep the winter chill at bay, the isolation becomes crushing.

Douglas is a Meals on Wheels People participant who has lived in Portland on and off since 1997. Without a car or family nearby, mounting health problems have kept him from leaving the house. “I can barely get up and walk 15 feet,” he said. “I used to go to food pantries. I can’t really do that anymore. I don’t have the endurance to do it. I make enough money to pay my rent. With your help, I have enough money for food.”

Meals on Wheels People now delivers meals to Douglas and provides something just as vital — connection. He receives Friendly Chats phone calls from volunteer Olivia. “I enjoy talking to Olivia,” he said. “Sometimes she’s the only person I talk to other than my dietician. I don’t get out of my house, so it’s nice to have someone to talk to for a couple of minutes. It gives me some human connection.” And the food? It’s what keeps him going. “If it wasn’t for you guys, I don’t know what I’d do.”

Thankfully, you can do your part for your neighbors in need. For 22 years, Meals on Wheels People and New Seasons Market have teamed up to energize the community behind a simple effort: Donate the cost of a meal (or more) at the grocery checkout, at a local restaurant, or online. What began as a grassroots effort raising just $2,200 in 2003 has grown into a movement that brought in over $200,000 in 2024, enough for more than 20,000 meals and moments of connection.

And as times continue to get tougher, the organizations are answering the call with an extraordinary goal — $300,000. To get over the line, it will take a collective wave of compassion, but no drop in the bucket is too small.

The first step is saying, “Yes, I want to help.” There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer your time to encourage donations at participating grocery stores, and you can help spread the word about the campaign with friends, family, co-workers, or on social media.

From Nov. 19-26, you can donate at checkout at New Seasons, Market of Choice, and Jim’s Market. Or you can donate anytime in November on the Donate Dinner website. You can also dine out for good. Shake Shack will donate a portion of sales at its West End, Cedar Hills, and Reed’s Crossing locations on Nov. 19 and at the Bridgeport Village location on Nov. 20. Oakshire Brewing will also pitch in a portion of its sales on Nov. 25.

Whether you’re volunteering, making a gift, or sharing the campaign, you are part of a movement that keeps our aging neighbors — some who might live just down the street from you — nourished and connected.

During Thanksgiving week alone, Meals on Wheels People will provide more than 5,400 meals, preparing thousands of pounds of turkey, yams, potatoes, and peas, and over 4,850 pies. On Thanksgiving Day, volunteers will make over 200 Friendly Chats calls to participants, offering conversation and connection to lift their spirits.

If that doesn’t make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, we don’t know what will.