They were at the right place at the right time. ACC Rides driver Hoa Tran was following Meals on Wheels driver George Spatta in early May, assisting in meal deliveries. On that day, a senior did not answer his door. Following the “welfare check” protocol, the drivers looked through windows to check on the occupant. The residence was dark, but Hoa saw the senior lying flat on his back on the floor, banging with his cane trying to get attention. Hoa called 911.
George and Hoa waited at the residence until emergency personnel arrived and broke into the house through a back door. The drivers made sure the senior was in good hands with the emergency personnel before they continued on their meal delivery route.
Every few weeks, ACC Rides drivers help deliver 3 weeks’ worth of meals to clients. The drivers work as a team, making between 40-70 deliveries per day.
On commending Hoa, Michelle Bustamante, Meals on Wheels program operations manager, says, “I, too, wish to express my gratitude for your assistance yesterday. George shared with me that due to your keen eyes and ears, that participant was found alive. Though nutritious meals are very important to our participants, you were part of the most important aspect of our program, the welfare check. You are a life saver in the true sense of the word. When we say ‘we are more than just a meal,’ this is exactly what we mean. Thank you, Hoa!”
Kevin McAllister, tMeals on Wheels executive director, also shared his thanks, “Thank you for conducting a welfare check and for calling 911 for our home-delivered meal program participant. Moreover, I appreciate all of the support you’ve provided our team over the last few months. We have an incredible team!”
Hoa said that he was just happy they were delivering meals to that senior that day. “We don’t know how long he was on the floor, probably one night or longer. He didn’t have much clothes on and was very, very cold. If we hadn’t found him that day, it could have been ‘game over.’”
Always modest, Hoa replied to the accolades, “I’m just trying to do the best I can.”
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