For Diane, volunteering isn’t just about dropping off meals—it’s about bringing joy, connection, and a little extra kindness to seniors in her community. For the past two and a half years, Diane has been delivering meals twice a week through the Kennewick site, but for her, it’s so much more than a routine. It’s a way to give back, to form meaningful relationships, and to teach her grandsons, Brian and Mathew, the value of kindness.
“I’ve had relatives who used Meals on Wheels before, and I wanted to do something to give back,” Diane shares. “Looking at what Meals on Wheels represents, it just felt like a perfect fit.”
Each shift, Diane picks up her insulated red bag filled with warm meals, a cooler for the cold items, and a delivery list before heading out to bring food and friendship to seniors in need. Tuesdays can be a little busier, with frozen weekend meals and, every other week, a loaf of bread to deliver. But for Diane, the additional logistics pale in comparison to the joy of seeing her clients’ faces light up.
“I really enjoy volunteering for Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels because of all the different ways they support seniors,” Diane says. One of her favorite programs is the Holiday Wish List, where seniors get to request special items, and volunteers help make those wishes come true. “This past Christmas, my grandsons and I got to shop for the wishes on our clients’ lists. The boys wore Santa hats, and we delivered holiday bags. It was such a fun and heartwarming experience.”
Diane’s connection to her clients goes beyond meal delivery. She remembers one woman who struggled with memory issues. At first, the woman was confused when Diane arrived, unsure why she was receiving meals. But everything changed when Diane’s grandson, Brian, came along.
“When she opened the door and saw Brian, her whole face lit up,” Diane recalls. “They formed a special bond—singing songs together, exchanging flowers and birthday cards. Her daughter even told me that she talked all about Brian at a doctor’s visit. Despite her memory challenges, she remembered how much he meant to her.”
Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels also provides a critical lifeline beyond nutrition. Diane recently performed a wellness check that may have saved a client’s life.
“I knocked on the door, but no one answered. I could hear the dog barking and saw the client sitting on the couch. When he finally came to the door, something just seemed off,” Diane says. Sensing something wasn’t right she reported her concerns to the site manager. The client’s family was contacted, and it turned out he needed immediate medical attention. “His family was so grateful that we caught it early. It was a reminder that this program is about more than meals—it’s about caring for people.”
For Diane, volunteering is deeply personal. “It’s so satisfying. The connections I’ve made, the joy I see in my clients—it’s a blessing. I feel lucky to be able to make even a small difference.”
Her grandsons feel the same way. “I volunteer for Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels for three reasons,” says Brian. “To help people, to meet new people and their pets, and to deliver kindness with a smile.” Mathew, just four years old, adds, “I like to deliver food to people… and I like their cats too!”
Diane encourages others to join the Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels team. “There are so many seniors who need these meals to stay independent in their homes. Just as important as the food is the social connection as many of them don’t see anyone else all day. These short visits mean the world to them. Volunteering here is truly rewarding in ways you can’t imagine.”
Want to make a difference like Diane? Join Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels today and help bring meals, smiles, and connections to seniors in need!