Sierra Senior Services seeks $2 million for senior center after delivering 43,000 meals last year

Vivian Ruiz, the incoming executive director for Sierra Senior Services Meals on Wheels, described operations and a new capital campaign at Good Morning Truckee.

Ruiz said the nonprofit operates six delivery routes covering Truckee, North Shore, West Shore (Timberland to Tahoma), Incline Village, Crystal Bay, Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadows. The program runs its own fleet of seven vehicles and prepares meals daily in a staff kitchen rather than relying solely on shelf‑stable, prepackaged meals. Ruiz said the program provided more than 43,000 meals last year and performs daily wellness checks during deliveries.

“We do so much more than that,” Ruiz said. “Our volunteers are our rock stars.” She said the organization currently has about 45 volunteers and six staff members; the program seeks additional volunteers and donors to support expanding services.

Campaign and needs: Ruiz announced a $2,000,000 campaign to build a senior center in Truckee focused on reducing social isolation and offering congregate services, programming and additional support beyond home‑delivered meals. She said the program began a newsletter and has volunteer applications and donation options available, including online and Venmo methods. Ruiz asked attendees to consider donating time or money and invited volunteers to speak with staff at the meeting.

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