One of the measures of a civilized society is its treatment of the elderly and infirm. Initiatives like Meals on Wheels don’t just give old people a hot meal every now and again, they’re often a senior’s only form of human contact. 

The Means on Wheels program in Leavenworth County, Kansas serves more 56,000 meals a year and is the first point of contact for hundreds of elderly residents. To cover costs, the agency asks for a minimum $2 donation for each meal, but nearly 25% of the seniors using the program can’t afford that donation. The agency will never deny a senior a meal.

To make up the difference, Meals on Wheels Leavenworth is holding its 13th annual spring benefit on April 20th at the Riverfront Community Center. It’ll feature a music, a catered dinner and a performance by Kansas City magician Scott Henderson. 

Tickets are available at the Council on Aging, 1830 S. Broadway St., or Candle Queen Candles, 500 Shawnee St. They’ll run you $20 for an adult and $10 for a child. If you don’t live around Leavenworth County, please consider making a donation to your local Meals on Wheels provider or similar charity.