The Christian Service Center in Gulf Shores recently announced they will be managing the Orange Beach Meals on Wheels program, which provides hot meals five days a week to those who may be homebound or unable to prepare their own food.

CSC has been managing the Gulf Shores program for over 20 years. They were approached to take over the Orange Beach program, which was previously run by a local church.

According to Kay Herrin, program coordinator, the meals are provided by Ginny Lane Bar and Grill at The Wharf. Herrin said volunteers pick up the meals and deliver them to those enrolled in the program.

"What it really is, is almost like a welfare check. It started because a lot of times the people that receive the meals don't have anyone else coming into their home," Herrin said. "So, the driver is that person who checks on them and makes sure they haven't fallen or something went wrong. Our drivers get close to the people they deliver to, so they don't just hand the meals to them but often they might go in and sit down and visit for a while."

Herrin said that while there is no income information required to join the program, payment for the meals is determined on a case by case basis.

"All we take is their name, and your income could be anything," Herrin said. "A lot of people will say that they want to pay for their meals, but it's based off of their ability and desire to do that."

Herrin said there are approximately 18 drivers who volunteer with CSC to deliver meals to residents on the island.

"I believe in this program, and I recognize that older people sometimes don't have hot meals, they may just eat soup out of a can and that is all they have," Herrin said. "This way, elderly people can have prepared, healthy and nutritious meals delivered right to them."

For more information, or to get involved with the program visit www.cscgs.com or call (251) 968-5256.

The center is completely staffed by volunteers and funded through donations from the Pleasure Island Ministerial Association and its churches, community organizations, businesses and concerned individuals.

Now, over 30 years later the center focuses on being a "hand up" rather than a "hand out" organization, as clients are given immediate emergency aid when needed, including help with rent, utilities, medical equipment and access to the center's food pantry.

"It's a privilege to work and volunteer here, and it's not work to volunteer here. It is such a blessing because you get to literally be the hands and feet of Christ," Moss said. "You're serving the lord, so it's such an opportunity and a blessing for all concerned."

The center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. For more information, visit www.cscgs.com or call (251) 968-5256.