Claremont Meals on Wheels, a nonprofit organization dedicated to delivering meals to home-bound senior citizens, is celebrating its 45th year of serving the community and will host its annual recognition dinner to honor volunteers.

“It’s important we show our gratitude to the people who selflessly devote their time to helping those who can’t help themselves,” said Ethel Rogers, president of Meals on Wheels, “We owe them this much.”

A Claremont City Council representative will be awarding Meals on Wheels with a certificate recognizing its 45 years of service during the dinner. Volunteers will also be awarded for the number of years they have served. More than 100 volunteers and their guests are invited to partake in the evening. Volunteers’ ages range from eight to 95 years old.

The dinner will be taking place at 5 p.m. on April 4 at the DoubleTree in Claremont.

The recognition dinner is hosted annually with the help of the Claremont community, including the DoubleTree, and many local businesses donate supplies or prizes to be raffled. All volunteers are guaranteed at least one prize.

Claremont Meals on Wheels was established in 1973 with the goal to bring warm, freshly-made meals to people who are unable to cook or leave their homes. Today, Meals on Wheels has more than 50 clients, more than 100 volunteers, and has served more than 10,000 meals this past year. Meals are delivered Monday through Friday year-round, including holidays. Claremont Meals on Wheels is run entirely by volunteers and is funded by donations alone.