Aiken Senior Life Services Completes $2.5M Fundraising Drive for Meals on Wheels

Aiken Senior Life Services pulled together $2.5 million through a months-long fundraising campaign. The money will support its Meals on Wheels program in Aiken County. On March 25, the group celebrated finishing its "All Hands on Deck" drive.

The campaign kicked off with a $1 million target. It ballooned to $2.5 million when philanthropists Rob and Pam Johnston stepped in. They offered to match up to $1 million in donations, dollar for dollar.

Aimee Hanna runs the organization. She explained how the fundraising stopped service cuts. "Had we not been resourceful, we would have had to cut 22,000 meals — almost a quarter of a million dollars — out of this program, and seniors would have suffered," said Hanna to the Aiken Standard.

Operations can continue for five to 10 years with this funding. Inconsistent nonprofit funding and government shutdowns threatened the program less than six months ago. Meal service had to pause.

Sarah Sanders gets meals from the program. She spoke at the celebration about her experience. "Being homebound means you're home a lot by yourself, so it's always good to see a smiling face and have someone ask you how you're doing," Sanders said.

Rob Johnston described the couple's commitment. "I'm dedicated to whatever we can do to make Aiken a better place," he said.

Pam Johnston credited faith for inspiring donors. "That bolt of lightning that you were talking about, that was God, and God touched everybody's heart in this room when you wrote that check," she said.

The program provides meals, transportation, and socialization for hundreds of seniors across the county. Services run Monday through Friday from the facility at 1310 East Pine Log Road.