Sharon Goes the Extra Mile to Deliver Food and Friendship

Sharon doesn’t give up on people. Once you’re in her orbit, you’ve got a loyal friend for life. A longtime Salem resident, Sharon started volunteering as a Meals on Wheels driver during the COVID-19 pandemic when the need for delivered meals was at an all-time high.

“I’ve been delivering the same route [in Northeast Salem] the entire time,” Sharon said, “so I’ve got my route memorized, and I know everyone pretty well.”

That’s an understatement. Sharon goes above and beyond for her clients, even helping one woman move from her home to an assisted living facility. Their friendship has stood the test of time because Sharon still visits her regularly. The same can be said for her friendship with Darryl.

“He’s a nice person who has been through a lot,” Sharon said.

She’s been delivering Meals on Wheels to Darryl every Monday after his wife was diagnosed with dementia five years ago.

“When you have dementia, you have good days and bad days,” Darryl explained. “I’m a caregiver, basically. It’s a full-time job, taking care of my wife and myself, trying to cover all the bases.”

But the Food Share’s Meals on Wheels program has given Darryl one less worry. He’s grateful he can count on daily deliveries of nutritious, diabetic-friendly meals.

“I like the meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and mixed veggies,” he said with a chuckle. “My wife doesn’t like a lot of vegetables, so on days when we get broccoli, I eat double broccoli.”

And in Sharon, he’s found a friend he can trust. From providing contactless delivery during the pandemic to supporting Darryl through his recent struggle with diabetes, Sharon has been there, delivering nutritious meals and companionship right to their door.

Your gift helps volunteers like Sharon ease the burden for seniors like Darryl. Thank you for all you do to support the Food Share.