Elizabeth Marcoe said she gets by OK with her monthly $500 Social Security check. But because nearly three quarters of it goes to pay rent and bills, the West Seattle Meals on Wheels program has become a lifesaver for the 78-year-old homebound senior.

"As long as I'm like this, I need the program," said Marcoe. "I don't know what it would be like without it - but it wouldn't be easy."

Marcoe remembers a time when she didn't need so much help, like her days touring with the Angelaires harp quintet in New York City. But during the past few years and after a fall that left her with a broken hip, Marcoe has become increasingly dependent on Meals on Wheels and volunteers like Donna Bell to fill her fridge with food she can't easily get to or afford.

Bell and the other West Seattle volunteers see themselves as guardians of the elderly clients.

"Every driver tries to look out for (the clients)," said Bell, one of the original volunteers of the West Seattle program. "We do keep an eye on them and try to be aware of the surroundings."

Many are restricted to their homes due to an illness or age and often have no one that visits or checks on them regularly. Marcoe said she's lucky that her son comes to see her every Thursday, but in some instances, seniors can spend weeks cooped up alone in their homes.

"We sort of believe we are the eyes to look out for these people," said Verna Jeming, one of the founders of the West Seattle program, "Not only are we providing a nutritious meal, but these people are getting contact with the outside world. It's something for them to look forward to every week."

Bell, who delivers to about eight clients a week, said drivers are trained to watch out for signs that could warn them their client is struggling with everyday tasks, such as taking out the garbage or feeding their pets. Large amounts of leftover food can also be an indication that the senior's health is suffering, she said.

"The drivers - the people on the front line - are gatekeepers and have the knowledge to recognize when things are wrong or if the person's needs are changing," said Susan Compton, community relation's director for Senior Services of Seattle/King County. "That connection and ability to have someone there to relay information can serve as a link between the elderly client and other senior services."

The King County Meals on Wheels program started in 1974 through Senior Services of Seattle/King County, and a little over 10 years ago, the West Seattle Senior Center recruited volunteers to start its own site. The frozen meals are delivered from the Spanaway warehouse to the senior center every Tuesday. Volunteer's home deliver the meals every Wednesday morning all over West Seattle.

"Nothing has stopped a delivery, not even snow or rain, said Jeming. "We walk the meals to their homes if we have to."

Persons over 60 who are unable to leave their home because of age, illness or handicap and who are incapable of preparing meals are eligible for Meals on Wheels. Dinners include a protein entree, vegetable and rice or potato, plus a choice of a white or dark roll with margarine. Breakfasts include eggs, pancakes or French toast, fruit and choice of juice.

The program is partly federally funded but is mostly supported through grants and client donations. A recommended donation of $3 per meal is accepted upon delivery, but contributions are not mandatory.

"We try to encourage donations, but nobody is denied meals," said Jeming.

The West Seattle volunteers are proud to say their program is the only site in King County run by an all-volunteer staff. They use their own vehicles and pay for their own gas.

"They never ask for a dime - that's why I've stayed so long," she Jeming. "It's like a family. We all really believe in the plan."

Marcoe also believes in the program, because for her, it's become an important part of survival.

"A lot of the time, it's up to them to see we're getting the right care," she said. "You get used to them like a friend and it's very nice to have visitors."

To apply for Meals on Wheels in the West Seattle/White Center area or to volunteer, call 448-5767. Contributions can be made at delivery time with cash, check, or Quest card.

Rebekah Schilperoort can be reached at wseditor@robinsonnews.com or 932.0300.