Mrs. C.L. Passarelli, left, helps Mrs. Evelyn Marshall and Mrs. Guy Whaley fill containers with soup to be distributed to the homebound recipients of Meals on Wheels in 1970. Butler Eagle File Photo

The number of clients of Butler’s Meals on Wheels program nearly doubled in size only a few months after it launched in 1969.

The 13 clients of the program in Nov. 17, 1969, grew to 24 people by Feb. 7, 1970. Meals on Wheels had up to 100 volunteers aiding in the preparation and distribution of the meals.

The clients ranged in age from 59 to 90, each with health conditions that did not let them leave their homes, according to an article in the Feb. 6, 1970 edition of the Butler Eagle. Each received 10 meals a week, which were delivered Monday through Friday at a cost of 75 cents per meal. Noon meals included soup, meat, potatoes, a vegetable, salad and dessert.

Volunteers for Meals on Wheels dealt with each client personally, made sure clients had rations on hand for emergencies and relayed messages between them and supervisors.

The volunteers operated within a 10-mile radius of Butler and covered four routes leading to clients of the service.

Mrs. George Neyman, right, checks out Robert P. Cleeland, right, as she picks up food to give to clients on her Meals on Wheels route. Butler Eagle File Photo