While workers prepared food for Meals on Wheels in The Kitchen like any other day, the city figures like police chiefs, politicians and others making their way through the lines made this Community Champions Day special for everyone.

“It’s happening all across America today,” The Kitchen CEO Jackie Hamm said.

Seeing community leaders take part made all the hard work worthwhile Hamm said.

“It warms my heart. I hope everybody gets a blessing out of it,” Hamm said.

Some are more experienced in Meals on Wheels delivery, while for others, it’s their first time. After getting loaded up, it’s all about figuring out the best route. Then, just a short drive later, it’s time to deliver.

“How are you?” Melanie Townsend asked of Wichita Falls resident Robert Evett, 93, while dropping of Evett’s meal.

“Good,” Evett said. “[I] got two of the best ones, huh?”

“Oh, that’s nice of you,” Darrell Franklin said, delivering meals alongside his co-anchor.

Evett has been receiving Meals on Wheels for about eight years.

“I appreciate their giving. They’re giving more than I’m taking. But otherwise, it’s good for everybody that’s involved in it,” Evett said.

That includes for first time Meals on Wheels volunteer Melanie Townsend.

“Just the look on their faces when you first walk in the door, they open the door, it’s just this elation on their face, like: ‘Oh my gosh! Channel 3 is delivering my meals!'” Townsend said.

That excitement is all the greater for those who don’t get that many visitors.

“Because I have no family here,” MOW recipient Thelma Fager said. I’m glad you all came.”

“Would you mind if we got another hug?” Franklin asked. And Fager responded with a warm “Sure.”

“It’s very gratifying when you can drop off a hot meal and get a hug too. How can you beat that?” Franklin asked.

 A warm meal, a smile and an embrace: satisfying appetites and hearts.