Tom Cullerton pushes for a responsible solution

GLENDALE HEIGHTS- DuPage Senior Citizens' Council is the latest service organization to cut services to in response to Illinois' budget crisis.

State Senator Tom Cullerton (D-Villa Park) spent Tuesday morning delivering meals to seniors in Glendale Heights to raise awareness of the importance of this community program.

"Essential programs like Meals on Wheels allow our seniors to live independent lives," said Cullerton. "We need to continue to work together to ensure crucial programs have the necessary resources to serve our community."

Starting Jan. 11, eight community dining sites plan to close their doors along with limited Meals on Wheels deliveries. Currently, both programs are offered daily.

DuPage Meals on Wheels offers meals to 700 to 800 homebound seniors. An additional 300 to 400 seniors travel to the community dining sites each day to receive a warm meal and participate in health and wellness activities.

However, due to the lack of funding from the Illinois General Revenue Fund to pay for home-delivered meals to seniors, services had to be cut.

"Our community organizations are looking to Springfield for an agreement," said Cullerton. "My hope is the governor will work with us to deliver a responsible solution."

Donations to support the Meals on Wheels program can be made through their website at DupageSeniorCouncil.org or by calling (630) 620-0804.