Meals on Wheels of Lehigh County has been serving homebound seniors and people with disabilities since 1971.

The organization provides not only meals, but also the consistent companionship of caring volunteers.

Parkland area resident Virginia Crone, 89 years young, has been volunteering with Meals on Wheels since 1973.

She has delivered more than 37,468 meals, amassing 4,407 hours and driving 15,406 miles.

On April 22, Crone received the prestigious Pennsylvania Department of Aging's Volunteer Spotlight Award, which she humbly accepted in the company of scores of fellow Wheels on Meals volunteers.

The appreciation dinner at Asbury United Methodist Church was themed, "Volunteers are Superheroes."

In her welcoming remarks, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels Pam Bechtel praised and thanked the people she serves with everyday, the volunteers she called "superheroes."

She read a letter from a client, "One of our 97-year-old clients recently filled out a survey and she said our volunteers are the nicest people I ever met."

"She's 97 years old, and says you are the nicest people she has ever met," Bechtel said. "We happen to think so, too."

Bechtel then introduced several dignitaries who traveled to South Whitehall to present Crone with her award.

They included Acting Secretary of State Teresa Osborne; Dan Smedley, administrative officer in the Office of the Secretary; Tom Muller, Lehigh County executive; Ellen Kern, chief of staff for Sen. Pat Browne, R-16th; Donna Zimmerman, director of Lehigh County Office of Aging and Adult Services; and Troy Dunston, statewide volunteer program development coordinator.

"I am thrilled to be here with all of you this evening," Osborne said. "You have the capacity to offer the underestimated power to offer a simple touch, a smile, a kind word, or a listening ear."

She then introduced Crone with the agency's 2015 Volunteer Spotlight Award.

Kern on behalf of Sen. Pat Browne, R-16th, presented Crone with two proclamations.

"I'm going to read the last part because I think it cuts to the heart of the matter," Kern said. "Whereas any definition of a full and productive life must include service to others, through her many initiatives to benefit her community and by her personal example, Crone clearly reflects the true spirit and initiative of the commonwealth."

Muller, who also presented Crone with a proclamation, commented on her dedication.

"You have served 37,468 meals, that's really 37,468 connections you have made over the past 41 years," Muller said to Crone. "That's amazing and I congratulate you."

Not surprising, when Crone was asked if she had any words, she simply thanked others.

"I want to thank all the men who have helped put my cooler in my car," said Crone, bringing round of laughter and applause from the audience.

According to Dawn Stillwagen, volunteer coordinator of Meals on Wheels of Lehigh County, beginning in 1973 and continuing for 24 years, Crone was a regular visitor on the same route, building a strong relationship with her clients.

Volunteering at least one day every week, Crone's role as a visitor meant she delivered meals while providing a friendly greeting and smiling face to brighten her clients' days.

Starting in 1998, Crone took over her current route, remaining as a volunteer, and after recruiting her sister-in-law in 2004, she switched from visitor to driver, a position she holds to this day.

Crone, who will be 90 this November, continues to make sure her clients receive the meals they need to remain living independently.

During her many years of service, Crone has found clients in distress who required assistance.

In one instance, a client had fallen overnight and was unable to summon help.

The client, aware Crone would be delivering her meals the next day, waited all night for her arrival.

When she heard Crone outside the next day, the client used her cane to move a window curtain.

Seeing this signal, Crone realized the client needed help and called the police, ultimately persuading the client to go to the hospital.

When this client was later admitted to a nursing home, Crone visited her, something she has routinely done over the years for other former clients.

Seven seniors from across the state were chosen to receive the Spotlight Award. This is the second year the award is being presented.

"Through our Volunteer Spotlight Award, we acknowledge the selfless efforts of ordinary people who accomplish the extraordinary through volunteer service and who motivate others to follow their lead," said Osborne. "It's a privilege to recognize their commitment to serving older Pennsylvanians in their local communities. Their willingness to share their time and talent truly makes a difference."

According to the Pennsylvania Healthcare Association, in 2011, the oldest Baby Boomers started to turn 65.

Each day for the next 19 years, 10,000 more will cross that threshold nationwide.

Dunston spoke with The Press.

"By the year 2030, it is estimated over one-quarter of the state's population will be over 60," Dunston said. "Pennsylvania is the fourth grayest state in the country.

"We need more volunteers to help care for the needs of the population in the comfort of their own home instead of in expensive nursing homes."

Michele Grasso, development director for Meals on Wheels, echoed his sentiments.

"We currently serve 420 clients, but expect that to go up to 450 this year," Grasso said. "In 2015, we need to raise $615,000 to meet the needs of our clients. We always need money and volunteers."

Many senior volunteers at the dinner said serving their community was equally as life sustaining as the meals they bring.

"I come here so spirited. When I leave to go home, I am energized and I can tackle anything," said senior Lee DeGasperis of Allentown, who gave 1,058 hours of service to Meals on Wheels in 2014.

Crone was asked to comment on her experiences.

"I just enjoy everything," Crone said. "I used to do a couple of days a week, but since my husband is in a nursing home, I'm down to one day a week. I go see him every day"

"I work for my church and do a lot of volunteering there. I also go down to my daughter twice a week."

She would like other seniors to become involved.

"Oh yes, [I hope others volunteer]," said Crone. "I had my sister-in-law helping me for 10 years and my daughter is here today.

"I'm just another worker and I enjoy everything I do."