Special to the Times Vedette
The Wheels for Meals vehicle show originally planned in June has been rescheduled for Saturday, July 13 in Bayard. Rain showers forced the postponement, but organizers are hopeful for a bright and sunny day this time. Money raised will be used to provide healthy summer lunches for youngsters in several communities.
Pastor Bob Rogers had a vision in the spring of 2023 to make and deliver summer meals to youngsters in Bayard, Bagley, Jamaica, Yale and Linden. With the help of volunteers and generous donors, about 9,000 meals were provided to youngsters over a nine-week period in the summer.
The fundraiser is a car, truck, tractor and motorcycle show on July 13 on the Main Street of Bayard with classic vehicles or those that are a work in progress parked so enthusiasts can enjoy viewing them. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Separate vehicle classes will be offered with cash prizes. There is no cost for vehicles to participate. Youngsters will vote to determine the winners. Brandon Patrick is in charge of registration. Call 712-210-1942 to pre-register.
A barbecue meal will be served for a free will donation. Hot dogs and hamburgers are on the menu.
The youngsters will enjoy a variety of games, face painting and more. A foam pit will provide lots of “wet” fun, so bring your swim suits and towels.
Working through the Bayard Church of Christ, about $20,000 was spent on the meals in 2023. Large donations have been provided by the Ten Squared Men and Women to the summer lunch program so the funding for this year’s work is secured. Rogers is already looking ahead to 2025.
The meals were delivered to the five communities starting on June 3 and will continue for nine weeks through Aug. 5. Each sack contains five meals, enough for one week. About 200 children were served each week in 2023, but Rogers expects the program to be larger this summer. Linden topped last year’s figures with 60 meals each week followed by Bayard with 48, Yale with 30, Bagley with 28, and Jamaica with 12.
Pick-up is once a week on Mondays from 11 a.m. to noon. Meals are provided for no cost to any students younger than the age of 18. Pick up locations are: Bayard – Church of Christ; Bagley – Community Building; Jamaica – shelter next to Tojo’s; Yale – Community Building; Linden – town park; and Panora – south side of the middle school/high school building by the greenhouse.
Hope Lutheran Church initiated a similar program in Panora and is handling the arrangements there.