DES MOINES, Iowa — For the first time Wesley Life Meals on Wheels delivered meals to people on Thanksgiving Day.

“You know food insecurity doesn’t take a holiday, doesn’t take a break on the weekends,” said Rob Kretzinger, Wesley Life CEO.  “The opportunity to go out and deliver a hot Thanksgiving meal and have 75 volunteers and they filled up immediately when we put the word out that we want to make this happen.” 

Kreztinger spoke to a group gathered prior to taking the meals around.

“Your delivery not just a meal, you’re delivering hope today,” said Kreztinger. “You’re going deliver smiles, you’re going to deliver compassion, and probably a hug or two.”

“I’m here on behalf of the entire city council in the mayor, and wanted to thank you all for what you’re doing here today,” said Des Moines City Council Member Josh Mandelbaum.

Kretzinger was one of the drivers who delivered meals on this Thanksgiving. His first stop was a meal for 100 year old Marvin Krause, a retired band director, and WWII Veteran.

Krause shared the story while serving in WWII in France he was suddenly without warning transferred into a new unit. He was now a member of the 144th Army Ground Force Band Serving Dwight D. Eisenhower.

“Wherever Ike went, we went,” shared Krause, who admitted he was lucky to be transferred into the band.

When he got out of the service he farmed for a couple years, before coming to Drake, and getting a degree to become a band director. He served three school districts as band director.

Now he shares his WWII stories with Meals on Wheels, when they deliver. Krause said he appreciated them bringing him Thanksgiving dinner, on Thanksgiving.