From Mail Routes to Meal Routes
Bob, who retired from the post office, found a new purpose after hanging up his mailbag.
“I was looking for something to fill my time,” he says. “I heard they had a program out, Meals on Wheels, and they were looking for people to drive.”
Back then, Bob thought volunteering would be a simple way for him to stay connected socially in his community. But it’s become so much more than that. Now, almost 10 years later, he’s made lasting friendships and heartfelt memories on his delivery route.
The program has grown tremendously over the years — and sadly, so does the need for food assistance. Bob’s route alone has doubled in size as the program expanded to help even more neighbors. “There are so many people in need,” he says.
But he knows he’s delivering far more than just a meal. He’s also making meaningful connections with neighbors to show them that someone cares.
“Volunteering with Meals on Wheels is a win-win situation,” Bob shares. “It benefits them to be able to have the meal brought to them. And it’s good for me because I get to interact with people, and it makes me happy to see them happy.”
Tim, one of the neighbors on Bob’s meal route, has seen big changes in his life since he joined the program a year ago.
“It’s improved my life a lot,” Tim says. “I got more food in the house. I love the taste of the meals — they’re delicious.”
Each visit from Bob and the other volunteers means a lot to Tim. It helps him feel a sense of community and belonging — and provides a level of social interaction he needs just as much as the food.
Meals on Wheels continues to be a crucial program for so many neighbors in need. Your donations help ensure that people like Tim not only get nutritious food, but also feel connected and cared for. Thank you for your compassion.
And thank you to our community partner, PacificSource, who joins you in supporting the Meals on Wheels program.
