Alva Review-Courier -

Going strong 33 years, Kiowa's First State Bank Labor Day 5K Race is giving back to the community.

Friday on behalf of the 5K run, Melissa Rector presented checks totaling $2,140 to three organizations. She presented $1,000 checks to both Mobile Meals and Friends of the Kiowa District Hospital and Manor Foundation. South Barber's USD 255 vocal music department also received $140 to send some students to one of the performances of the Northwestern Concert Series in Alva.

These financial gifts were made possible by the bank sponsor and also numerous trophy sponsors. Rector said, "Thank you to our race sponsor and trophy sponsors. Because of your generosity, the race is able to keep costs low and donate more of the entry fees back to our local community." She said the race is successful because of the loyalty of the community sponsors, volunteers and race participants.

"Long may we run!" Rector said.

Mobile Meals Serving 29 in Kiowa and Burlington

Courtney Schupbach is an instrumental part of making the Mobile Meals program a success. Mobile Meals has been delivering to seniors in Kiowa and Burlington for almost two years now. The first meals were delivered on April 4, 2016. Schupbach said the program has nearly doubled in size since it started.

At this time, 24 seniors in Kiowa and five seniors in Burlington currently receive the meals. That's thanks to the volunteerism of 37 drivers whom Schupbach organizes. She praises the drivers and described them as "crucial" to the program.

Schupbach added that "The drivers are a joy to each senior along the route. Many seniors say that interaction with the drivers is the best part of their day. Mobile Meals has definitely filled a gap in the lives of many seniors in our community."

Yvonne Miller

This large group of volunteers deliver Mobile Meals in Kiowa and Burlington. (Front, from left) Courtney Schupbach, Ann Walz, Tamara Bogatay and her daughter Luella, Donna Williams and Melva Armbruster; (back) Dot Humphrey, Kent Kisling, Cindy Archuleta, Janet Robison, Mary Ann Gillig, Marsha Michel, Bev Miller, Judy Schrock, Cindy Golliher, Susan Palmer, Vee Hill, Robert Armbruster and Buddy Williams.

The meals are prepared at the Kiowa District Hospital Manor kitchen that provide balanced nutrition for which seniors can depend. Each meal comes with a main course, two sides and a dessert. Milk or juice is also included. Meals currently cost $5.50 each and are delivered on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Of the 29 meal recipients, 13 are fully sponsored by generous donations from the following organizations: First Christian Church of Kiowa, Apostolic Christian Church of Kiowa, St. John's Apostle Parish of Kiowa, two are sponsored with Gold Star Angel Tree Donations, Riverside Church of Christ of Burlington, Methodist Builders, South Barber Ministerial Alliance, Kiowa Labor Day 5K and the Kiowa Congregational Church. Consistent donations are also received from several individuals that wish to remain anonymous.

"The Mobile Meals program is only possible because of the generosity of the surrounding communities. Community sponsorships enable the Mobile Meals program to operate without the federal assistance that similar programs depend on," Schupbach said.

If you would like to receive Mobile Meals or would like to sponsor someone in the Kiowa or Burlington area, please call the KDH Manor at 620-825-4117.