Senior Citizens, Inc. received a $3,500 donation from Aetna for the creation of a fund to provide holiday meals for low-income homebound seniors. The check was presented by Tanya Huff, Aetna Medicare Market Head of Sales and John “Chip” Melton, Aetna Broker Manager for Southeast Georgia, to SCI President Patti Lyons on Thursday, December 14 at 10:30am at SCI located at 3025 Bull Street in Savannah.  

Following the check presentation, Huff and Melton joined SCI staff in delivering a hot lunch to Annie J., who has been receiving Meals On Wheels since 2012 after being hospitalized .  Ms. J’s dog, Felix, was happy to receive a delivery of dog food and treats as well, thanks to the SCI’s pet food program.

“We are so grateful to Aetna for this gift,” said SCI President Patti Lyons. “Thanks to them, we will be able to provide 583 nutritious lunches to the Meals On Wheels clients we serve whose funding source does not cover the cost of meals on holidays.” Lyons went on to explain that the donation would provide more than a meal; “when our volunteers and staff deliver the meals, they offer homebound seniors with a much needed opportunity for some friendly conversation and a wellness check. For the people receiving these meals, it’s a connection to the outside world they may not otherwise have,” said Lyons.

“Aetna is committed to building a healthier world – one person, one family and one community at a time. That means we’re investing our time and resources in the cities and towns where we work and live,” said Frank Ulibarri, president of Aetna’s operations in Georgia. “We are thrilled to support Senior Citizens Inc. and their valuable work providing healthy meals, social support and critical safety checks to a vulnerable population in coastal Georgia.”