APEX — Good ideas often find each other. Apex has proof. Its Meals on Wheels program is one good idea that's been around for a while. Volunteers deliver meals to folks who are unable to cook or shop for themselves. Another good idea became a part of Meals on Wheels, and it all started in a fourth grade classroom.

Writing a good letter is a very important skill for fourth graders. Each student in Sue Rink's class has a pen pal. The letters don't need stamps. Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver them for free.

One letter arrived at the home of 80-year-old Richard Grouse. It was from a 9-year-old boy named Eric. Eric introduced himself to Mr. Grouse, explaining his hobbies in detail. Mr. Grouse wrote back, inviting Eric and his classmates to visit.

Grouse explained that he was from England, a widower and had no children. But thanks to the Meals on Wheels letter program, he has gained a few adoptees.

Rink says many of her students aren't from North Carolina originally. Many have lost touch with their grandparents. The program gives the students an opportunity to maintain contact with an older person.

Grouse has benefitted from the program and so have the children in Rink's class. They recently were introduced to Grouse when he visited the classroom to share a bit of his life with the fourth grade class.