For thirty years, Mangalam Sharma, has  delivered meals to the seniors in and around Sharon. At 82, she hopes that she can do this for many more years. Her dedication and spirit for this service was recognized recently when she was honored at the 18^th Annual Ordinary Heroes Community Service Learning Project at Sharon.

The Ordinary Heroes program recognizes individuals who are "devoted to improving their communities and the lives of others," teacher Rachel Selby Walker told the audience during a ceremony for the honorees in the Sharon High media center. Each honoree received a State House citation presented by state Rep. Louis Kafka (D-Stoughton). Their names will be added to the Ordinary Heroes Hall of Fame plaque.

Through all these years, Mangalam spent approximately one day a week in the mornings, Monday through Friday, delivering home-delivered meals to elders who would otherwise have difficulty getting to one of the meal sites. She also volunteered to do two routes instead of the customary one picking up hot and cold lunches from the kitchen as early as 10 am in the morning. ‘I am always  happy to do it” she said,”It is good to be able to serve the seniors in this way “ The program operates hot and cold  lunch programs serving individuals 60 years and older, and their spouses. There is a suggested confidential $2.50 donation for each meal.At the Sharon site, ethnic Indian vegetarian and Chinese meals are offered once a month, along with Russian meals during the year.

 In many cases, the short visit by volunteers is just as important as the meal. All volunteers get their schedules of their routes from the center.“Some residents do not even speak English so the only communication we have is a smile and a nod from them”, she says. This person-to-person contact also serves as a check on the elder’s condition. “On some days the person is not at home so we leave a note with the lunch and we make sure that  they do not miss it”

The Meals on Wheels program is run by the HESSCO Elder services in Sharon. Mangalam became a volunteer when Chandra Ganapathy, past Nutrition Director at HESSCO asked if she would like to help out.  Every month she also volunteers at the community center helping serve food to more than 200 seniors. The center also holds yoga workshops and other recreational activities.

Mangalam Sharma’s son and daughter in law Raj and Nalini Sharma are residents of Sharon. Says Nalini Sharma, “Mangalam Sharma has been passionate about and dedicated to Meals on Wheels for so many years now. She always looks forward to her daily rounds, even in inclement weather or health. She truly deserves this recognition and our family is so happy for her."

It is a dedication that goes above and beyond not only for her job but the lives she touches. There are so many in need at her age and her willingness to be ready to keep on doing this as long as she can is indeed commendable.More than any ordinary hero !

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