There are a lot of folks like Travis Frenchak in Butler County. His generous spirit is one of the reasons we like to call it home.

When Frenchak learned that a burst water pipe had shut down the Butler Meals on Wheels program for at least a week, he knew he had to help.

So Frenchak, owner of The Hoagie Shop at the Bon Aire and Point Plaza shopping centers, donated about 170 free hoagies to the organization.

He intends to make enough to distribute one hot and one cold sandwich to each client, enough food to last a couple of days.

Another donor is providing chips and a fruit cup, said Mary Pataky, Meals on Wheels director.

“Even their small hoagies I can’t finish,” Pataky said. “The people in Butler County are very caring, giving people and we get to see it. We’ve existed for 48 years without government funding.”

Frenchak downplayed his generosity, saying, “It’s not a big deal.”

Yes, it is a big deal. Good neighbors is who we are. We lend a hand even when there’s nothing to gain from the gesture.

The current cold snap should reminds us of the fragile human state. The burst pipe at St. Peter’s Church serves as a reminder an unexpected circumstance can stop anyone at a moment’s notice, a friend or neighbor dependent on the good graces of others to get through a difficult time.

Each of the 105 regular clients of the Meals on Wheels program has been contacted; all have said they will be fine even if service were completely interrupted for a week, Pataky said.

There are backup plans in place: The Butler County Area Agency on Aging has offered to provide free frozen meals, but Pataky said she did not need to refer anyone to them yet. Short-term options are limited while insurance claims are being settled.

Meanwhile, Meals on Wheels remains dependent on community giving to fund its services. The program serves an 8-mile radius in the city and surrounding area. Volunteers deliver the meals on about 12 routes Monday through Friday around lunchtime.

Each client receives a hot meal and can optionally get a cold sandwich meal too. Meals are delivered on weekdays except on Christmas and Thanksgiving.

The service is fully funded by donations from the community. For more information about the program, call 724-285-3815.