In this season of feasting, it should be remembered that the frail and homebound elderly survive on just one meal a day. And that meal is often delivered by Meals on Wheels, which also delivers companionship and a generosity that represents the spirit of the holidays.

This year, thanks to hundreds of volunteers and donations from the community and government, more than 1,100 seniors will receive their daily meal from the two largest providers on O'ahu — Lanakila Meals on Wheels and Hawai'i Meals on Wheels,

Sadly, it won't be enough.

There are more than 300 on the waiting list, and that list will grow. By 2015, nearly a quarter of O'ahu residents will be 65 or older.

Hawai'i Meals on Wheels has added four new routes and plans to expand its service area.

But it won't be easy. In June, Lanakila warned that budget shortfalls threatened to cut off meals to 233 seniors. A combination of pubic and private funds managed to stave off disaster. But Lanakila is still more than $30,000 shy of its annual goal, and it needs additional support for its expanded holiday menu. Both organizations will be providing a special Christmas dinner for their clients this year.

This holiday season, help provide a meal for those who would otherwise go without.