To kick off this year’s fundraising efforts in the Lewes area, the Harbour Lights CHEER Center will host an open house from noon to 2 p.m., Thursday, May 23. The Dixieland Band will perform, and light refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public.

CHEER Centers provide comfort, support and a daily visit to the homebound in the Sussex County area by Meals on Wheels volunteers. Connecting individuals with available resources has helped many members maintain independence and made a substantial difference in their lives.

Daily, buses bring individuals who might otherwise be homebound to the centers. On average, 300 members are served a hot meal at lunchtime at the centers. An additional 600 individuals receive Meals on Wheels through CHEER and its volunteers each day. Another 300 members use the fitness centers to maintain muscle tone so they are less likely to fall and harm themselves. Many members keep themselves mentally and physically fit through educational courses, yoga, aerobics or simply conversing with other members about the news of the day.

Individual donors are the foundation of giving to CHEER. Over the next several weeks, members of the public may receive fundraising letters from the CHEER Foundation asking for support. Harbour Lights is at 34211 Woods Edge Drive, Lewes.