In Their Own Words
Volunteers Share Thoughts
Mike & Kathy Jensen
“Jeg elsker dig,” in Danish, means “I love you!” Each week, a special Mobile Meals client tested my recall of how to seek forgiveness from my driver for deliveries of Mobile Meals that turned into visits.
My husband Mike, whose heritage is Danish, is the “driver” of our team, driving the designated route, and I am the “runner,” dropping off the meals. For some clients, meal delivery is the only visit they have for the day, and just a comment about the weather, a tease about a winning/losing sports team, an appreciation of their talent, or a question about their family brightens their day. Besides Danish phrases, here are some of the other things I have learned from our clients during deliveries/visits.
I have learned that to paint flowers and trees on a vintage glass window, you need just the right amount of natural sunlight, a steady hand, and great patience. I understand that if you leave a 1,000 piece completed puzzle on your dining room table, you want someone to take note of your accomplishment. One gifted client proved that you can still write and publish poetry well into your 90’s, and even authored a poem in the Library of Congress’ Poetry Collection. It has been inspiring to see that at 102 years of age, you can have a positive outlook and a good quality of life. I have also observed that kind and generous people in Hamilton look out for their elderly neighbors, especially those without local family.
Finally, the most important gift I have received, is the sincere appreciation from our clients. It comes in the form of a blown kiss, a passionate wave out their front door as you drive away, or even the twinkle in their eyes upon your arrival. Our clients make this volunteer work for Mobile Meals of Hamilton a joy and a true blessing!
Karen & Hector Bravo
We started delivering for Mobile Meals four years ago and are so glad we began volunteering for this wonderful service! Delivering is made easy due to how well everything is organized, from the set up of meals in the coolers, to the directions to the clients homes. We have so enjoyed meeting not only the Eileen and the other volunteers, but our clients as well! They make us feel welcome and appreciated as we drop off their meals. We feel comfortable delivering food during these days of social distancing because safety is a priority when delivering for Mobile Meals. We've missed seeing our clients and look forward to the day when we can say "Hello" again!
Dave Sereni
Dave Sereni
I became a volunteer for Mobile Meals of Hamilton Township in April 2018 not long after my retirement. It all started when my neighbor asked if I could help her deliver meals from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in Hamilton. They needed a driver for just one morning a week for just two hours so I thought I would give it a try. It didn't take me long to realize how rewarding it was to help our homebound seniors and folks with disabilities. I am proud to be a part of our wonderful, dedicated and faithful volunteers at Mobile Meals who love what they do for those in need.
Theresa Selmon
Theresa Selmon
Theresa Selmon
I have been volunteering for Mobile Meals of Hamilton for nine years. Just seeing the appreciation on the recipient's face when you deliver their meal is what it's all about. If you have one and a half hours available once per week to volunteer, it is really a rewarding experience.
Bill & Maryanne Komianos
Bill & Maryanne Komianos
Bill & Maryanne Komianos
Volunteering for Mobile Meals has meant so much to me. It is a wonderful and necessary organization and it is my pleasure to be able to help in some small way. Delivering meals to individuals that are sometimes housebound, disabled or even convalescing brings a smile to their faces and mine.
Alan & Laurie Hardy
Alan & Laurie Hardy
Alan & Laurie Hardy
Volunteering for Mobile Meals not only helps the clients in need, but also fulfills our need to give back to our community. We feel that we have gotten to know the clients on our route, even if only to exchange a wave or a "hello!"