Along with screwed-up flight schedules and unpaid furloughs for airline workers, the sequestration blues have hit charity groups. Both federal and local governments are cutting back or totally withdrawing some subsidies that helped finance such social programs as Meals On Wheels.

For just one example, according to news reports, for the agency in the town of Contra Costa, California, government funding has been cut off. The volunteer agency will now be forced to stop delivering healthful meals to the homes of nearly 50 percent of its current elderly homebound, low-income recipients.

Travel4Seniors asks you to check with your local Meals On Wheels organization and, if necessary, respond to requests for financial support. Think of your contribution of $25 or $50 as just a tiny portion of the money you’d pay for your next cruise or resort vacation. You won’t miss that duty-free bottle of liquor or souvenir tea set, and you’ll get the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping elderly people in need.

For more information, check with your local Meals On Wheels organization or go to www.mowaa.org/