It can be a real joy preparing a meal for your family, knowing you are providing a delicious
opportunity to nourish your family and enjoy time around the table. Running over the day’s
happenings, sharing a heartwarming meal, and sharing smiles can be the highlight of the day!

But lives can be busy. There are appointments, activities and sports. And suddenly it’s
dinnertime for your foster family of seven to 10! That’s where Angels’ Arms Meal Delivery
Program really helps out. Individuals, groups, churches and organizations can sign up to provide
a meal for any of our hungry families.

And thanks to Tonya Ferretti, a donated dinner became much more than a meal for foster mom
Vanessa Rucker and her family.

An Amazing Friendship and a Day Mom Doesn’t Have to Worry

When Tonya retired from teaching, she decided to start volunteering. “I actually googled
volunteering in St. Louis and found Angels’ Arms on volunteermatch.com. I had attended some
Angels’ Arms events, and had friends who volunteered there, so I searched the families on the
meal list. Vanessa was the last family listed, and she was the closest to my house. Anyone can
stop on the first name, but I wanted to stop at the last.”

Tonya’s first meal was donated on March 12, 2024, and it was the beginning of a wonderful
year of meals and friendship. “I got several new little ones on March 5,” remembers Vanessa,
“So Tonya was excited to meet them and learn more about our family.”
Tonya said, “It was wonderful to develop a relationship with the kids and the family. I love kids,
and as a former teacher it is great to get to visit with them.” That Tuesday meal led to weekly
meals, even when Tonya’s out of town.

“I tell her, don’t worry about this week when she’s not home, but she has pizza delivered!”
Vanessa explained. “I am overjoyed just to not have to worry about cooking at all. Tonya has
everything packed. We have leftovers, and the kids even enjoy that. As a parent who had
multiple children, different backgrounds and behaviors, this is such a blessing. A day I don’t
have to worry.”

Waiting for Their Friend

Tonya starts her meals by checking in with Vanessa and seeing what the kids would like. “If I
have an idea in mind, they usually like my suggestions,” said Tonya.

The best part for Tonya, “When I pull up in the driveway, a couple of the kids come right out to
see what they can help me carry in. The youngest is walking now, and he comes over for me to
pick him up. The other kids come over and give me a hug. After we get set up, the little one
brings his high chair over, but only after he gives hugs. They like to show me their dolls or toys,
and they are also full of compliments about last week’s meal.”

Family Favorites

“We love taco Tuesday. Tonya does it all with love – you can feel it in her meals. She thinks of
everything and has it all laid out,” said Vanessa.

Tonya explained, “I try to do lettuce, cheese, guacamole, taco chips, meat and beans. Vanessa is
vegetarian, so I try to make sure I have something for everyone. And I usually make extra to
have it for my family, too. It doesn’t matter what I cook, as long as they are happy with it, I’m
happy. ”

Growing Together

But in addition to the food, something else is cooking when Tonya visits Vanessa. They talk
about raising kids, sharing ideas for activities, meals, advice and more.
“We are way beyond the meal,” said Vanessa. “When Tonya noticed we had a lot of books, she
brought us a bookshelf. And she’s even shared clothes for the kids. She always thinks about us
and what we need.”

Tears occasionally fill their eyes as Tonya and Vanessa share their story. “It’s like we are just
two women who share in our life experiences, especially when it comes to raising a family,”
said Tonya. “Vanessa’s doing a lot, and I respect what she does. She needs an ear sometimes.
Mostly, we just listen to each other.”

“And when I text to thank Tonya, I am crying with joy. Lord, I am so thankful,” said Vanessa. “I
am happy and overjoyed when she shows up. I don’t even care what she fixes, we enjoy eating
it. And the kids always make her notes, cards, bookmarks, flowers. They like to do something
special, because she is so special to us.”

“It’s so true when people say it feels better to give than receive,” said Tonya. “I see their
appreciation. They are great kids and Vanessa is doing a beautiful job with them. They are all
right there in the room ready to help and talk. They are happy and they are lucky to have her.”

Are you Interested in Becoming Part of the Meal Program?

Tonya’s advice, “Get involved! It will definitely add to your life and your happiness, and it
definitely makes a difference to the family. The sign up is simple enough, and I hope other

people with learn about it and sign up for it – even once a month or a couple times a year. Each
person gets to decide what they want to do.”

Why did Tonya come back after her first meal drop off? “It was easy enough, and I picked a
home where I didn’t have to drive that far,” explained Tonya. “When I met Vanessa and the
kids, they were so appreciative and happy. They never let a chance go by to say thank you.
When you think about all Vanessa is doing, I am not doing much. It’s a meal, but look at
everything Vanessa does for her six kids.

“I knew I wanted to do something after I retired, and this little bit is perfect. In fact, when I go
to sign up, I sometimes get upset because someone took my Tuesday! it’s one way to help, and
it’s not a small thing to the parents.”

And for Vanessa, “It’s priceless to me!”

Signing Up

Use this link to sign up to provide a meal: https://angelsarms.org/meal-delivery-or-drop-off/
Once a year, once a month, once a week — sharing a meal fills hungry foster families with food,
love and comfort. It’s a great way to make a difference in so many lives!