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East Hall basketball team drives and dishes for Meals on Wheels
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Meals on Wheels service aid Barbara Randolph, left, walks up to a client’s door with East Hall High School basketball players to deliver food Tuesday. - photo by SARA GUEVARA

The East Hall High School boys basketball team took a break from school Tuesday morning to go as a team and deliver meals to senior citizens in Hall County with Meals on Wheels.

East Hall Vikings head coach Joseph Dix said he wanted his players to have an opportunity to give back to the community.

"I wanted them to see what goes on in our community," Dix said. "It’s also a team-building activity. "Dix said he was contacted by volunteer coordinator Stepheine Bellotte about the opportunity and thought it was a "perfect situation."

"She came to me with the idea, and I was excited about it" Dix said. "The kids have been excited about it."

Milon Christman, the Meals on Wheels coordinator, said he feels community service is an important part of being successful.

"In my opinion, you’re not really a big man until you stand tall in the community," Christman said as he addressed the Vikings.

Bellotte said she hopes the boys will make Meals on Wheels something they can do together as a team on a regular basis.

Nolan Carter, a junior at East Hall, said he feels Meals on Wheels is an opportunity for him and his teammates to set a good example for kids.

"I think it’s good. It shows we care for the community and can work together as a team," Carter said. "We’ve got to be role models for the younger kids in the community."

Meals on Wheels delivers food to about 400 senior citizens in Hall County every day.

Bellotte said Meals on Wheels volunteers play an important part in some people’s lives because they not only provide food but company.

Many of the senior citizens who get meals are unable to get out of the house and enjoy visiting with young people, she said.

"These is the only people they see all day," Bellotte said of some of the clients.

Meals on Wheels also provides pet food for companion animals.

Bellotte said the Humane Society of Hall County donates pet food and Meals on Wheels delivers it once a month for animals of the elderly as well.

"A lot of our clients don’t have any family. They’re lonely," Bellotte said. "We can keep their pet healthy and happy as well so their companion is still there."