Since February 2021, Marilyn has been a dedicated volunteer at Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels, giving her time and heart to a meaningful cause. With her passion for helping others, she’s become an essential part of the team, supporting both the kitchen and delivery shifts while making a big difference in the lives of those she serves.
When Marilyn first joined during the height of the pandemic, the need for volunteers was greater than ever. During COVID, when dining sites couldn’t remain open for seniors to enjoy their mid-day meal, Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels operated a contactless drive-thru where clients could pick up their meals to go. “There was a huge gap, especially with retirees who couldn’t volunteer due to health reasons,” she shares. “I started packaging hot and cold meals, sometimes picking up extra shifts to help wherever needed.” From there, her role evolved, and soon, she was helping with frozen meals and assisting at the drive-thru, where clients could pick up their meals safely. “It was a great time for people to be social, even if just for a moment, and I loved seeing their faces light up,” Marilyn recalls fondly.
However, it was delivering meals to those who couldn’t make it to the drive-thru that truly connected her to the community. “The clients look forward to the visits. One lady would always show me her garden and talk about her plans for the spring,” she says with a smile. “I remember she was 96, but her spirit was amazing. Those little moments made me realize just how important these connections are.”
Marilyn’s dedication goes beyond simply delivering meals. Having worked in social services before retiring, she knows firsthand the power of human connection. “I retired to care for my special-needs son. Over the years, I saw so many people go beyond their job descriptions to help him,” she shares. “That experience left me wanting to give back and serve others.”
Volunteering at Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels gave Marilyn the perfect opportunity to do just that. “There’s always a need, and it’s just part of who I am to serve,” she says. “I love knowing that, even if it’s just delivering a meal or chatting with someone, I’m making a difference in their day.”
It’s not just the clients that have left an impact on Marilyn, either. The people she volunteers with have become lifelong friends. “We call ourselves the ‘Golden Girls’—five of us who work together on Tuesdays. We’re like family now. If it weren’t for Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels, I never would have met these amazing women. We do life together,” she beams.
Marilyn’s connection to the clients and her fellow volunteers has kept her coming back week after week. “There’s always a need, and I can’t ignore it,” she says with passion. “Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels makes it easy to volunteer. The flexibility is incredible. Life happens, and you can always adjust your schedule. But the sense of purpose, of knowing you’re doing something that truly matters, keeps you coming back.”
For anyone unsure about volunteering, Marilyn has this to say: “You won’t regret it! It’s fun and fulfilling, and you’ll meet incredible people along the way. You’re not just delivering meals; you’re sharing moments, laughter, and love with people who need it most.”
Marilyn’s story shows that volunteering isn’t just about giving, it’s about receiving too. The joy and connection she experiences make it clear that one person can truly make a difference.
Are you ready to make a difference in your community? Like Marilyn, you can give your time and help others in need. Join the Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels team and experience the fulfillment that comes from serving others. Become a volunteer today!