Web site helps Nevada hungry seniors

A Web site launched this month allows people to make free donations to a meals program that benefits seniors in Nevada and throughout the nation.

GiveMeals.com provides banner links to the home pages of corporate sponsors of Meals on Wheels. The sponsors have agreed to make contributions whenever visitors click on their banners.

Visitors must stay on the sponsor's home page for 20 minutes for the donation to take effect.

The Virginia-based, nonprofit Meals on Wheels Association of America owns the site and will distribute the donations nationwide to its members, including senior nutrition programs in Carson City and Clark, Douglas, Elko and Nye counties.

"GiveMeals.com was designed to help eliminate that hungry senior out there," said Emily Newpher, program manager for Senior Services with the Lyon County Human Services Department.

After administrative costs, all donations will reach meals providers, said Enid Borden, executive director of Meals on Wheels.

Because of the Web site's newness, Borden couldn't estimate how much money Nevada will garner from it.

Borden said she hopes GiveMeals.com raises $100,000 in its first year, but she notes "the fact we're doing this at all is a success.

"So many seniors in this country go to bed hungry," Borden said, emphasizing that over 40 percent of senior meals programs have waiting lists.

"We're using technology to feed people, to give them the dignity of old age."

Corporate sponsors include Amazon.com, Priceline.com and Food.com, said Ken Hylton, GiveMeals.com site manager.

Besides enabling contributions, the Website provides links to local volunteer efforts benefiting seniors.

"Meals on Wheels relies most heavily on funding and volunteers," Newpher said. "GiveMeals.com helps create both."