Ruth Bjerke helps in the kitchen some days, but she has a special fondness for what, through Friendship Trays, she can deliver on other days.

On Bjerke's route are a couple of 90-somethings who spend their days "seeing nobody and hearing nobody" -- except the Friendship Trays driver.

When Bjerke delivers, she goes in to check on recipients, and stays to talk. "I have more time" than working people, she acknowledges, but says everyone should take a moment to greet recipients. "It's just something more than food."

Elliot Corps gets an 'A' for its 'J's and 'L's

Marking trays by dietary code is a daily task and an essential one at Friendship Trays. The marks help Friendship Trays deliver on the promise of providing food appropriate to every individual recipient. 

The codes guide kitchen crews as they fill the containers. And they help volunteers make sure they deliver the right food to each person.

Many individuals help with this task, but the Elliot Corps has its own special story. In the photo above, Lou Crites is seated. Standing are, from left, Pat Horne, Bunny Erwin and Ann Elliot.

Elliot was a co-founder of Friendship Trays in 1976. She knew that some of her friends at a Charlotte  retirement community would enjoy and benefit from an afternoon trip out regularly.

Over the years, a number of people have joined Ann for the trip out, among them Gertrude Hodges, Jane Reed and Anne Kelly.

Elliot is shown at her own task of marking and then sorting bags by delivery route number.

All of the women know, says Elliot, that the work is important. "And it gives them all a feeling of accomplishment, which they richly deserve," she says.

Visitors to Friendship Trays occasionally marvel at how organized the place is. They comment on how a complex task has been broken down into small parts. Most of the tasks require either presence at Friendship Trays' South End kitchen, or the time to pick up and deliver meals over a lunch hour.

If you or a group you're a part of would like to play a role, contact Volunteer Coordinator Lani Lawrence by e-mail or at 704-333-9229.

Friendship Trays, 2401-A Distribution St. Charlotte, NC 28203 voice 704-333-9229 fax 704-333-5947

Delivering, in a caring and friendly manner, balanced meals to individuals in this community
who are unable, because of age or infirmity, to obtain and prepare their own meal