Lena is 90 years old. Her husband died 10 years ago. Her daughter had a stroke two years ago and is living in a nursing home. Her sister died a few months ago.

Lena is among residents served by the Rapid City M.E.A.L.S. program, a United Way agency. M.E.A.L.S. has delivered 48,000 meals to hundreds of people who are eligible because cooking has become difficult for them.

The service provides more than food.

"I am all by myself, and all the volunteers who bring my meals are very important to me," she said. "I sit in my chair and wait and wait for them. I'm always happy to see them. We have a small conversation. They don't have a lot of time because they have to deliver other meals, but they are all wonderful to me. I am so thankful for each of them. Without them, I wouldn't have the meals or someone to talk to each day."

Two years ago, she had back surgery and was left with a paralyzed left foot. She also suffers from macular degeneration. She sees well enough to do a few things for herself, but can do no "real cooking," the German-born wife of a U.S. serviceman said.

"I really appreciate the hot meals. I can't cook because I don't see very well, and I'm afraid of starting a fire," she said.

More than half of the home delivery recipients would be in long-term care if the M.E.A.L.S. program were not available, according to United Way executive director Renee Parker.

"Your gift matters," she said of the current Living United fund drive to help people like Lena. "Just $5.50 provides two hot meals for a senior."

For information on how to become part of the solution, call 343-5872.

Fundraising goals

- Total goal: $2,100,000

- Total collected: $1,488,920

71 percent of goal

Rapid City

- Goal: $1,820,000

- Collected: $ 1,309,730

72 percent of goal

Sturgis

-Goal: $95,000

-Collected: $ 46,032

48 percent of goal

Northern Hills

- Goal: $185,000

- Collected: $133,157

72 percent of goal

How to help

The United Way's Living United campaign is raising funds for community outreach programs like Rapid City M.E.A.L.S. To contribute or for information, call 343-5872.